The plan to have the Departments of Transportation and Economic Development work together to look at the economic impact of highway projects in various parts of the state is taking shape. MoDOT’s Ernie Perry says that while the Department always considers economic benefits of all transportation projects, the focus of this effort is on roads and bridges. Perry says there is a strong link between transportation and economic progress, and it will be up to the two departments to find the best ways to have both working together toward goals that benefit the economies of the state and communities.