Officials to Meet March 28 to Discuss
Statewide Transportation Priorities
JEFFERSON CITY -- Missouri Department of Transportation officials will meet March 28 with citizens from all regions of the state to begin determining priorities to be added to the state’s next transportation improvement program.
The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ramada Inn in Jefferson City. During the meeting, high-priority road and bridge needs throughout Missouri will be discussed.
“We are proud that this is the most open and inclusive transportation planning process in MoDOT’s history and, I believe, in the country,” Rahn said. “Extensive public involvement is vital as we plan for 2011 and beyond.”
Last year, MoDOT had nearly $800 million for new or accelerated projects financed by Amendment 3 in its Smoother, Safer, Sooner program and $1.4 billion through bond financing available for major new construction projects not already listed in the state’s five-year construction program.
“We’ve been able to accomplish a significant amount of work thanks to Amendment 3, and Missourians are seeing smoother, safer roads as a result,” Rahn said. “However, as we move forward with our five-year statewide construction program, we just won’t have the funds for a lot of new construction.
However, Rahn said, it is still important to look ahead at the state’s transportation needs and determine priorities.
“When funds become available, we must be ready to move quickly and efficiently in delivering transportation improvements. Major projects require a lot of study and design work ahead of time.”
Missouri uses an open, transparent format based on public discussion for identifying transportation needs and selecting construction projects. “Local officials will join MoDOT staff at the table and help determine priorities among the state’s many transportation needs,” Rahn said. “We also welcome any member of the public to come and watch it all happen. Through this process, I want everyone to see we’re making transportation decisions with the full involvement of citizens throughout Missouri.”
At a second meeting on April 27, the group will evaluate the existing needs throughout the state, along with current projects, as the next step in determining the priorities of the statewide major route network. Discussion will focus on specific needs and projects in terms of their relationship to the connectivity and operation of the statewide network.
At a third meeting on May 19, the group will rank the priorities and come up with a smaller list as a recommendation to MoDOT for presentation to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission this summer. Ultimately, the needs selected for study will be added to the state’s five-year transportation improvement program.
