For more information, contact Freight and Waterways Administrator Cheryl Ball at 573-526-5578 or Customer Relations, 573-751-2840.
February 6, 2014 – For immediate release
MoDOT Releases State Freight Plan
JEFFERSON CITY – Freight moved by trucks, barges, planes and trains is an essential part of the Missouri economy with the state’s freight system supporting the movement of more than one billion tons of freight valued at over $1.2 trillion per year.
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) together with key freight partners developed the Missouri State Freight Plan to provide a vision and plan for taking care of its existing freight system and make the best and most strategic investments possible when funds are available. The plan was released at the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission’s Feb. 4 meeting.
“The Missouri State Freight Plan is designed to guide our partners statewide in their development plans, but for now, the plan is all we can provide,” said MoDOT Chief Engineer Ed Hassinger. “MoDOT’s construction budget is dropping to levels that won’t even allow us to maintain the highway system we have, so there’s virtually no opportunity to make an investment in freight at a statewide level.”
Building on Missouri’s Long Range Transportation Plan and with the help of hundreds of key stakeholders, the Missouri State Freight Plan was developed through a collaborative process. It assessed the state’s existing freight system, established goals and strategies for updating the system over the next 10 years or more, developed guidance for future investments in transportation, and prioritized freight projects that will provide the most economic benefits to the state.
“We thank our statewide freight partners for their efforts to establish this plan to guide future efforts to improve freight movements in Missouri,” said Hassinger.
To view the Missouri State Freight Plan, or for more information, visit www.MOFreightPlan.org .
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Linda Wilson Horn
Customer Relations Coordinator
Missouri Department of Transportation
314-453-5063
