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.
                                       AUDIO: Kanagy :10
–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.
                                       AUDIO: Heard :09‘   Â
 For Boone County Presiding Commissioner Dan Atwill, the key to public approval of whatever solution is offered is credibility.
                                       AUDIO: Atwill :17
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.
