Eight counties | 36 cities | one region

ST. JAMES—The Meramec Region Mobility Management system, a program to provide residents with information about transportation options in the eight-county Meramec Region, will host its first implementation meeting and establish a mobility advisory committee at 2 p.m. on Oct. 20 at Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC), 4 Industrial Dr., St. James.

Mobility management is focused on coordinating reasonably priced transportation services to improve overall mobility for the general public, with an emphasis on the elderly, low income persons and persons with disabilities. The program is in its beginning stages in partnering with community leaders, local transportation providers, special interest groups, planning organizations and human service agencies to maximize resources and improve transportation access to the general public.

Mobility Manager Holly Kreienkamp, with MRPC, is requesting all interested groups attend the meeting and be a part of the mobility advisory committee.

“Each individual on the mobility advisory committee will bring unique knowledge and skills in order to more effectively guide the mobility management program,” Kreienkamp said.

The mobility advisory committee will be avaluable asset to obtain feedback and locate available resources.

“If you know anyone you would like to recommend for the team, please contact me,” Kreienkamp said.

The newly created program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration 5310 grant program through the Missouri Department of Transportation with matching funds from the MissouriDevelopmental Disabilities Council. Kreienkamp began implementing the program on Sept. 8 by reaching out to existing regional resources.

“I will be working diligently to build relationships, seek transportation solutions, educate the public on transportation alternatives and seek funding sources for continued program facilitation and partnerships along the way,” Kreienkamp said.

This initiative will focus on the movement of people rather than vehicles. Kreienkamp is gathering information on how to meet diverse travel needs and utilize available resources.

For more information on the Meramec Region Mobility Management Coordinated Transportation Plan or the coming meeting, contact Kreienkamp at 573-265-2993, ext. 123 or hkreienkamp@meramecregion.org.

The Meramec Region mobility management system works to develop an information and outreach program for current transportation services and mobility options through public speaking and media presentation, including development of outreach materials and a marketing plan. The system will serve Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski, Osage and Phelps counties and coordinate with other participating regional planning commissions in the state.

Formed in 1969, MRPC is a voluntary council of governments serving counties and their respective cities in the Meramec Region. A professional staff of 24, directed by the MRPC board, offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, housing assistance, transportation planning, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans and other services to member communities.

To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meramecregion.