Rankin appointed to transportation planning group

Rankin Sept. 8 was named to Missouri Advance Planning, a newly formed statewide transportation group. The group is responsible for long-term planning for transportation statewide, particularly as it relates to the new money transferred to the Missouri Department of Transportation because of the passage of Amendment 3 last November.

“Our MAP initiative will be the beginning of a statewide dialogue on what the state’s transportation system could and should do for its citizens, and how best to fulfill those expectations,” said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn in a news release. “Most importantly, MAP will produce a collaborative vision for Missouri’s transportation system and the building blocks for developing a shared action plan.”

Rankin joins 20 other members in the southwest Missouri group, one of six groups created statewide.

“We’ve got an opportunity here to help shape the future of our state’s transportation system,” Rankin said. “I think we’re on the right track – this is going to lead to an opportunity to improve transportation around that state, and I’m glad they’re reaching out around the state to involve partners from both urban and rural areas.”

The group’s first meeting is scheduled for today in Jefferson City.

For the full story from the Sept. 19 issue of SBJ, click here.