The Missouri Department of Transportation is preparing for the possibility of a federal infrastructure stimulus package by putting together a list of projects that could be ready to go on short notice.
MoDOT has 34 transportation projects, worth $510 million, that could be awarded within 180 days of passage of a federal package, which could contain at least $25 billion for transportation infrastructure nationwide. President-elect Barack Obama has stated that he plans to propose such a package after the first of the year.
The department estimates the projects would create 14,000 jobs and return more than $2.4 billion into the state economy.
"We stand ready to quickly deliver 34 transportation improvements that would mean jobs, increased safety and a better quality of life for Missourians," MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said in a news release. "These are much-needed projects that will benefit Missouri citizens, and we urge Congress to act positively on an economic stimulus package."
About $137 million of work would go toward Missouri interstates - 70, 44, 55, 35 and 29 - while $60 million would go to repairs on the state's lettered route system.
Locally, $23 million would go to constructing alternate and intermittent passing lanes on U.S. Highway 60 from Republic to Monett, while $37 million would be used to fully widen U.S. Highway 65 to six lanes between I-44 and U.S. 60.
MoDOT says the funding is desperately needed. While the state has not yet had to postpone or cancel projects, state revenues are down almost 5 percent, or $18 million, for the first four months of the fiscal year. If the trend continues, the state could face a $73 million shortfall by the end of the fiscal year.
A relocation to Nixa from Republic and a rebranding occurred for Aspen Elevated Health; Kuick Noodles LLC opened; and Phelps County Bank launched a new southwest Springfield branch.
