McClure makes transportation suggestions to state task force

Ken McClure: The responsibility for roadways should not be shifted to local municipalities.

Springfield Mayor Ken McClure yesterday testified before the 21st Century Missouri Transportation System Task Force.

In its latest session, the General Assembly approved the creation of the task force designed to make recommendations to the governor and legislature regarding state transportation funding. The task force is scheduled to report its findings to the General Assembly by Jan. 1, according to a news release. The cash-strapped Missouri Department of Transportation has faced budget shortfalls in recent years, causing it to enter maintenance-only mode.

McClure recommends funding upgrades that don’t involve sales taxes or the switch in roadway responsibilities to the local level.

“We believe fuel taxes, as well as other current and new sources of revenue, are essential to funding the maintenance and improvement of the state transportation system,” McClure said, noting if roadway oversight is transferred locally, it “could have a significant negative impact on the city of Springfield, Greene County and many other local governments in the state.”

This isn’t the first time McClure has testified before a state commission.

In January, he spoke before the Missouri House General Laws Committee in favor of legislation to regulate transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft statewide. In April, Greitens signed the legislation that was inspired by Springfield’s model.