Citizens meet to tweak state transportation plans

During the meeting, which runs until 4 p.m., the group will finalize its ideas regarding statewide transportation needs, trends and conditions, and improving transportation policies and strategies.

“(Missouri Department of Transportation) has been working to improve our transportation system – sooner rather than later,” MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said in a news release. “And while our efforts are improving a substantial portion of the state’s roads and accelerating several needed major projects, it’s no substitute for a sound, broadly supported long-term plan for Missouri’s transportation needs.”

Rahn is directing the group’s discussion; participating citizens will use an electronic polling application to tabulate the group’s decisions.

In the last nine months, six regional working groups such as the one in Columbia have met throughout the state. Group members reflect the state’s diverse interests. They include farmers, economic development representatives, environmentalists, businesspeople, tourism representatives, educators and elected officials.

The public also can offer opinions about Missouri’s future transportation priorities and the spending of state transportation dollars through a funding allocation game at www.modot.org, or the MAP Web site, www.MapOurFuture.com.

Another meeting, scheduled for 8:30 a.m.–noon tomorrow in Columbia, will put local officials from across Missouri in contact with MoDOT, and they will work together to determine the state’s high-priority road and bridge needs for the next transportation improvement program.

During tomorrow’s meeting, representatives and local officials from each of MoDOT’s 10 regional districts will focus on the specific needs of major routes.

MoDOT staff will consider recommendations as part of presentations to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission in July.

Newly identified projects, if selected, would be added to the next year – 2011 – of Missouri’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.[[In-content Ad]]