MoDOT’s Statewide Consolidation Plan Gets Response From Local Elected Officials
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, and Rep. Barney Fisher, R-Richards, have stated that they will work with elected officials in the 31st Senatorial and 125th House Districts to make sure the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) continues to provide promised coverage in the wake of last week’s budget plan announcement.
The “Bolder, Five-Year Direction” will cut almost one-fifth of the department’s positions, close facilities, and sell equipment to save hundreds of millions of dollars, devoting the funds to other projects, such as road and bridge improvements.
“While I understand MoDOT’s need for a plan to streamline due to diminished funding, I am in hopes that it will in no way affect actual local and community coverage,” said Sen. Pearce. “I will work with MoDOT to make sure no community is disadvantaged by reduced MoDOT services or increased response times.”
“If MoDOT can continue to provide for all of Missouri’s citizens, I will be satisfied with the program,” said Rep. Fisher. “I just want to ensure that the best possible service will be provided, not just in the 125th, but across the state.”
The potential consolidation area would lump together the Willow Springs, Joplin, and Macon district offices. Locally, MoDOT barns would close in Rich Hill and Archie.
MoDOT will be taking input regarding the “Bolder, Five-Year Direction” until its June monthly meeting. No proposed changes would go into effect until Aug. 1, 2011.
For more information, or to view the original and proposed maps, please visit www.modot.mo.gov/bolderfiveyeardirection.
