A blue ribbon committee looking for new ways to pay for Missouri’s thousands of miles of roads and bridges gets a lot of ideas But committee leaders are not sure those ideas constitute a solution to funding needs.
Finding money to build and maintain Missouri’s transportation system has been talked about and talked about and talked about for a decade. Past studies and proposals have become dust-catchers on shelves at the capitol.
Now a Blue Ribbon Citizens Committee is hearing people say there’s no magic bullet–people like Mike Kanagy with the Lake West Chamber of Commerce at the Lake of the Ozarks.
–even, some say, an increase in the fuel tax. But selling the public on any of those ideas won’t be easy. Lebanon City administrator Chris Heard says it’s a matter that has to be sold in local coffee shops.
For Boone County Presiding Commissioner Dan Atwill, the key to public approval of whatever solution is offered is credibility.
Five hearings down, two to go—and then the panel has to file the newest recommendations with the legislature. Committee leaders hope it doesn’t become the next dust-catcher.
