Aging state transportation infrastructure
Anthony Brown
Rep. Allen Andrews
In an effort to address Missouri’s crumbling roads and bridges, a group of lawmakers and civilians will work together to develop recommendations to repair the state’s aging transportation infrastructure. The 21st Century Missouri Transportation System Task Force, which was created by HCR 47 that was passed during the 2017 legislative session, recently held its first meeting at the State Capitol. The task force is taking on the difficult but important challenge of ensuring Missouri’s transportation system continues to serve the needs of Missourians in the years to come.
As the chair of the task force noted, Missouri has a robust transportation system with the seventh largest highway system and the sixth highest number of bridges. In total, Missouri has more than 33,000 miles of highway and more than 10,000 bridges. However, despite the robust transportation network, Missouri ranks only 47th in the nation when it comes to the amount of revenue spent per mile. The result is a transportation system that has continued to age and fall into disrepair. As the chair said, “Our roads are crumbling, and our constituents are grumbling.”
The task force will now work to:
• Evaluate the condition of the state transportation system;
• Evaluate current funding;
• Evaluate whether the current funding in Missouri is sufficient to not only maintain the transportation system in its current state, but also to ensure that it continues to serve the needs of Missouri’s citizens moving forward into the 21st century;
• Make recommendations regarding the conditions of Missouri’s roads and bridges; and
• Make recommendations regarding transportation funding.
The task force is made up of five members from the House, five from the Senate, nine individuals from the private sector, and representatives from the governor’s office, Missouri Department of Transportation, Missouri Department of Economic Development, and the Missouri Highway Patrol.
During the first hearing on June 28, task force members listened to a presentation from Missouri Department of Transportation Director Patrick McKenna. The task force is scheduled to work throughout the 2017 interim and will report a summary of its activities and any recommendations for legislation to the General Assembly by January 1, 2018.
As always, it is an honor to represent you!
Allen Andrews, State Representative – District 1, Missouri State Capitol, Room 135AB, 201 West Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Telephone: (573) 751-9465
Allen Andrews is the First District State Representative.
