On Wednesday, March 18, Candice Walton again attended one of the Holden Public Policy Forum’s Pizza & Politics lectures, this time featuring Missouri Director of Transportation Pete Rahn. Here are her impressions from the event:
The Missouri Department of Transportation is receiving $525 million from the federal stimulus package. Pete Rahn, the Director of Missouri Transportation, is one person in charge of allocating these funds. Rahn has a big job to tackle and he seems well aware of the issues.
FACTS:
- Missouri has the 7th largest highway system in the country
- However we are 44th in state wide revenue
- We receive $44,000 per mile
- Illinois receives $200,000 per mile
- Missouri has deferred maintenance in many areas as well as a need to expand in developing areas
- Rahn points out the difference between needs and wants and recognizes that our state has some major needs.
One man asked when he would be able to drive on highway 70 without needing to take drugs. Everyone laughed, but it’s true. With all of the 18-wheelers on HWY 70, anyone would be scared to drive for miles next to them everyday.
FACTS:
- Trucks on HWY 70 are overwhelming
- Rahn has an idea to create specific truck lanes for 70. An example can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTUf3qZQvf4
- The damage caused to roads by one 18-wheel truck is equivalent to standard 9,600 cars.
- Trucks and traffic have turned 70 into “mush.” Rahn wants to rebuild 70 from St. Louis to Kansas City
Other issues that were discussed included: money allocated to sound walls and noise pollution, investment in public transportation and alternative methods of transportation, and the legal reasons behind how and why decisions are made.
To voice your opinions, make suggestions, or for more information visit the Missouri Department of Transportation website by clicking here.
Posted by James 
