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Oct. 19, 2011
For immediate release
For more information, contact:
Bonnie J. Prigge, (573) 265-2993
TAC, MoDOT plan for long-range transportation needs
Dodd, Petersen, Kleffner elected as officers
ST. JAMES—The Meramec Region Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) elected officers and discussed Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) long-range transportation plan at its meeting Oct. 13 at the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC).
The Nominating Committee presented the following slate of officers, which were approved by the TAC: Donald Dodd, of Salem, as chairman, John Petersen, of Rolla, as vice chairman, and James Kleffner, of Brinktown as secretary.
Troy Pinkerton, long-range transportation planning coordinator, presented information on MoDOT’s development of its long-range transportation plan.
“We need you to keep regional plans current so if and when funding becomes available you are ready to make use of those plans,” Pinkerton said.
MoDOT’s plan will focus on the next five years, but will also cover up to 20 years, Pinkerton said.
“Long-range transportation plans are important because transportation affects just about everything,” Pinkerton said.
Pinkerton explained the plan includes notes on transportation in relation to the fields of health care, economic prosperity, freight and more.
“We are developing a plan so we can hand it to the next generation,” Pinkerton said. “We are going to have to change the way we think about all of these components.”
Pinkerton explained the goal is to have a final product in which Missouri will want to invest and one that paints a clear picture of transportation needs and funding options.
Connie Willman, MRPC planning manager, asked committee members to consider county and community infrastructure needs to prepare to update the region’s needs prioritization list at the December meeting.
Willman explained smaller projects should be included on the list and committee members should consider cost participation projects.
MRPC Executive Director Bonnie Prigge reported on Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety’s Battle of the Belt competition, which promotes safe driving while involving area schools.
Currently, 14 school districts in the region are participating in the contest, which encourages seat belt usage. Students conduct seatbelt surveys and then try to increase seat belt usage at their school by using their own unique promotional tactics.
Prigge also noted the Central District Blueprint Coalition subcommittee meeting for the Meramec Region is planned for December.
In other business, the TAC:
• Heard a report from Willman on transportation-related grants benefitting the region that were funded in FY 2010-11.
• Learned of active MoDOT projects in the region from Pinkerton and MoDOT Central District engineer Preston Kramer. The pair highlighted the Rolla Highway 63 sidewalk project, the Kingshighway double roundabout, and asphalt improvements on I-44 in Crawford County. The Safe and Sound bridge program is on schedule with 19 bridges to be repaired or replaced in the Meramec Region for 2012.
Persons needing more information on MRPC’s Transportation Advisory Committee may contact MRPC at (573) 265-2993. The group will meet again at 4 p.m. Dec. 8, 2011. Meetings are open to the public.
Troy Pinkerton, MoDOT long-range transportation planning coordinator, explained MoDOT’s long-range transportation plan includes current infrastructure, a needs list, and funding options.
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