For immediate release
For more information, contact:
Bonnie J. Prigge, (573) 265-2993
TAC ADOPTS RESOLUTIONS IN SUPPORT OF
HIGHWAYS 50, 63 IMPROVEMENTS
Learns about UMR enhancement project, appoints new chairman
ST. JAMES-The Meramec Regional Transportation Advisory Committee adopted resolutions
supporting improvements to Highways 50 and 63 during the group's regular meeting
March 10. The group, in previous meetings, ranked Highways 50 and 60 as major
transportation needs in the Meramec Region and the adoption of supporting resolutions
formalized that action. Coalitions have formed to advocate for improvements
for these two roadways and to look at ways to speed up needed improvements.
The group also learned that two local projects received medium rankings in the
recent Missouri Department of Transportation's Major Projects Task Force meeting
on Feb. 15. Each MoDOT district had a table at the meeting, that included its
planning partners. Richard Cavender, executive director of the Meramec Region
Planning Commission, represented the region in District 9, which includes Crawford,
Dent, Gasconade and Washington counties, while Bonnie Prigge, assistant director
of MRPC, represented the region in District 5, which includes Maries, Osage
and Gasconade counties.
District engineers from across Missouri each made 30-minute presentations on
major projects in their area. Each table then ranked the projects high, medium
or low. Those rankings were tabulated to develop composite rankings and breaks
between the three rankings. After this initial scoring round, two projects from
the Meramec Region were in the medium category. Those projects were improvements,
including climbing lanes, to Highway 63 between Rolla and Edgar Springs, and
improvements to Highway 50 from Mari-Osa Delta east through Linn. The Major
Projects Task Force will meet again April 7 to further evaluate projects because
those projects receiving high rankings cost more than the state expects to have
available in funding. MoDOT Chief Engineer Kevin Keith has charged each district
to reduce costs on all projects.
Jay Bestgen, planning liaison for District 5, explained the department's thinking:
"We are in the philosophy of Cadillac verses Chevy," he told the TAC.
"It's how far can we stretch the dollar and still have a good, sound project."
To aid MRPC staff at future meetings, TAC members individually ranked the highways
and corridors where major projects are proposed from a statewide perspective
so that staff will have a better idea of what the TAC believes the state's major
transportation routes are.
In other business, the TAC:
o Heard a report from Kelly Sink-Blair of MRPC on the MoDOT's new Enhancement
Grant process. The application period is now open. All grants require a 20 percent
match. District 5 has capped grants at $400,000 with $1.8 million available.
Deadline for District 5 grants is May 18. District 9 has capped grants at $250,000
with $1 million available. Those grants are due June 3.
o Heard a report from Ted Ruth of the University of Missouri-Rolla on an enhancement
project UMR will be submitting to District 9 for funding. UMR is proposing the
construction of an walkway under Highway 63 at the south side of University
Drive. This would compliment the walkway on the north side of the Highway 63/University
Drive. The proposed undergound walkway would cost about $726,000 would join
the new parking lot west of Highway 63 to the Havener Center, increasing pedestrian
safety. UMR will be requesting $250,000 from MoDOT for the improvement.
o Elected William "Decky" Finn of Vienna as the new TAC chairman,
replacing Gary Yount of Washington County who retired from the TAC after eight
years of service.
o Observed a moment of silence in memory of TAC member Danny Gruver of Steelville,
who passed away in vehicle accident in February.
Persons needing more information on MRPC's Transportation Advisory Committee
may contact Kelly Sink-Blair at MRPC, (573) 265-2993. The group will meet again
on May 12. Meetings are open to the public.