PAST NEWS OF HWY 54

 Missouri’s 325 System Fact Sheet     

 We face a challenge because funding for transportation is insufficient.

 The Challenge

•     In 2017, MoDOT’s construction funding will drop to $325 million.
•     Tough choices for roads and bridges will have to be made.

 How We Got Here

•  Fuel tax revenue have become a diminishing revenue stream as cars become more fuel efficient.
• The fuel tax rate has not increased for almost 20 years, while the cost of doing business continues to rise.
• Inflation has decreased our purchasing power by more than 50 percent. What was 17 cents (state fuel tax    per gallon) of purchasing power 1992 is now about eight cents and decreasing each year.
• The cost of asphalt, concrete and steel - the staples of the industry - are as much as 200 percent more than they were in 1992.
• In 2017, Missouri will not have enough money to match federal funds. Federal funds provide a $4 to $1 investment that Missouri will lose.

 Actions MoDOT Has Taken

• We’ve tightened our belt by reducing staff, facilities and equipment.
• We’ve cut cost through innovation and technology.
• We’ve delivered projects on time and under budget.

 Missouri’s $325 Million System:  Primary and Supplementary Roads

• Primary = approximately 8,000 miles of Missouri’s 34,000-mile system; they are the roads that connect cities across the state.
• Supplementary = the remaining miles (approximately 26,000) used for local travel.

 Big Impacts

• It will take all of the $325 million in construction funding to keep primary roads and bridges in thier current condition.
• We will only be able to do limited routine maintenance on supplementary roads and bridges, which means their condition will deteriorate.
• Roads will become a patchwork of repairs, resulting in a rough ride for motorists.
• Heavy loads on Missouri bridges will be limited, and some bridges could be closed indefinitely.

 Bigger Impacts

• The supplementary highways include some significant urban routes we won’t be able to keep in good condition at a $325 million funding level.

 Take Action

• Learn more about the key issues - go to www.modot.org/toughchoicesahead.
• Ask tough questions and help determine the right choices for Missouri.
• Discuss the issues with your family and friends.
• Use social media to make your voice heard.
• Contact your elected officials.

Hwy 54 Coalition Members with MO Highways & Transportation

September 10th 2013 the Hwy 54 Coalition hosted a dinner/reception for the visiting Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission at Tievoli Hills Resort.  The Highways and Transportation Commission held their September Meeting on September 11th also at Tievoli Hills, which included a question and answer forum that was open to the public

Hwy 54 Coalition Welcomes New Member

The Hwy 54 Coalition welcomes the newest MoDOT  Commissioner John Briscoe to a monthly meeting. We are glad to have someone from our region on the MoDOT Board.