January 13, 2023 - Yesterday, a group of transportation advocates representing 11 different groups met with Governor Mike Parson and key legislative leaders to discuss funding to expand and fix Interstate 70. The meeting was organized by the Missourians for Transportation Investment (MFTI).
The group included representatives of businesses and industry, retailers, cities, agricultural organizations, organized labor, local chambers, contractors, engineers, and more.
"You are known as the workforce development and infrastructure governor," said Ray McCarty, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Missouri. "Missouri has made great strides in highway infrastructure under your leadership, including your signing the first increase in highway funding in nearly a quarter century into law and the massive bridge improvement project undertaken early in your administration. We very much appreciate your leadership and would like your support to use any available resources to fix I-70, particularly due to the impact of highway conditions and traffic on today's 'just in time' delivery of materials for manufacturers," he said.
Rod Reid, Chairman of the Missouri Transportation and Development group, reiterated the importance of I-70 to tourism and the fact that fixing I-70 would allow moneys currently allocated for that interstate to be used on other interstates and local road improvements.
Governor Parson indicated his strong support for transportation infrastructure and thanked the broad group for their help in advancing his transportation goals.
In addition to meeting with Governor Parson, the group met with Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, Senate Majority Floor Leader Cindy O'Laughlin, and the chief of staff for Speaker of the House Dean Plocher. All appeared to be supportive of fixing Interstate 70, but, as always, the devil is in the details.
We will keep you posted of developments.