MoDOT appoints blue-ribbon panel

Aimed at getting more citizen input into Missouri's transportation programs, Missouri Department of Transportation's Highways and Transportation Commis-sion Jan. 23 appointed a 12-member blue-ribbon panel on accountability, credibility and efficiency.

According to a MoDOT news release, the group will examine and evaluate MoDOT and the commission in the areas of governance and distribution of funding, including transportation monies allocated to other agencies. Panel members are encouraged to recommend ways to enhance accountability, credibility and efficiency in those areas. The release stated the panel will compare MoDOT to other state departments of transportation in terms of funding sources, organization, highway system size and other operational aspects.

"We have chosen an outside group of citizens who are well-known and respected in their communities to focus on issues of governance and finance," said Ollie Gates, Highways and Transportation Commis-sion chairman.

Truman State University President Dr. Jack Magruder will chair the panel. Southwest Missouri members are Freeman McCullah, a retired MoDOT district engineer from Springfield, and Morris Westfall, former state senator from Halfway.

The panel is expected to make a final report and offer recommendations to the commission on or before Aug. 31.