AASHTO Journal, 20 July 2012
Missouri Department of Transportation is facing funding troubles head on with a diminished transportation program.
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved a new 2013-1027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, which reduces the state’s transportation construction program from roughly $1.2 billion to about $700 million.
This news comes one year after MoDOT implemented the Bolder Five-Year Direction, which is reducing the number of MoDOT employees, facilities, and equipment to save MoDOT $512 million by 2015 (see story: bit.ly/AJmissouri). Had the Bolder Five-Year Direction not been implemented last year, MoDOT would be facing a transportation program of less than $600 million for the years 2013-2017.
“We’ve been talking about diminishing revenue streams since 2006 and we’ve taken action,” said MoDOT Director Kevin Keith in a statement. “The Bolder Five-Year Direction implemented last year helps, but the reality is we can’t cut our way to an improved transportation system.”
The new $700 million plan funds some resurfacing projects and general maintenance of the existing transportation system. However, according to MoDOT, no construction projects are planned that would create additional jobs, increase safety, ease congestion, or support economic development.
“This program shows how we will deliver on the commitments we’ve made to Missouri, but it also shows how we must now focus our resources on the roads and bridges that need it most,” Keith said.
MoDOT’s 2013-2017 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program is available at bit.ly/MoDOTplan.