Transportation

Missouri Lt. Governor Kehoe: “I believe public service is a privilege that no one should take lightly”

June 19, 2018 By Brian Hauswirth

Missouri’s governor appointed Senate Majority Leader Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, as Lieutenant Governor on Monday in Jefferson City.

Cole County Judge Patricia Joyce administers the oath of office to Mike Kehoe as Lieutenant Governor on June 18, 2018 (photo courtesy of Missouri Senate photographer Harrison Sweazea)

Governor Mike Parson (R) made the announcement at the Statehouse, saying the lieutenant governor position reassures Missourians that all operations of state government will continue.

Parson also praises Kehoe’s background.

“Throughout my career, I have witnessed the importance of steady, predictable and selfless leadership,” Parson says. “Being prepared and having experience matters.”

While the Missouri Constitution doesn’t specifically address how the lieutenant governor should be replaced when there’s a vacancy, former Attorney General and Governor Jay Nixon (D) says the Governor “has the authority to fill a vacancy in this office by appointment.”

Former Governors Matt Blunt (R) and Bob Holden (D) agree with this interpretation.

Governor Parson brought in attorneys Joe Bednar and Lowell Pearson for the announcement. Bednar served as chief legal counsel to Governor Mel Carnahan (D), and Pearson was chief legal counsel to Governor Blunt (R).

Parson says both men believe he has the authority to make the appointment.

Governor Parson told Missourinet earlier this month that he didn’t like the state being without a Lieutenant Governor.

The Bolivar Republican says infrastructure will be a top issue for Kehoe.

“He has served as a former commissioner of (the) Missouri Department of Transportation, and has a strong sense of the infrastructure challenges our state is facing,” says Parson.

Kehoe is a former chairman of Missouri’s Highways and Transportation Commission. He tells the Capitol Press Corps he agrees with the governor’s emphasis on infrastructure.

“I will do all I can to help him in that conversation and work with community leaders from urban and rural areas as well as MoDOT and others on the transportation infrastructure as well as, you know, other infrastructure that is out in our state,” Kehoe says.

Kehoe is pledging to work tirelessly, and tells Capitol reporters he’s grateful for the opportunity.

“When Governor Parson called and asked me to assist him in this role, it was one of the most monumental experiences of my life,” says Kehoe. “Like the governor, I believe that public service is a privilege that no one should take lightly.”

Kehoe grew up in north St. Louis, and has represented Cole County and several other mid-Missouri counties in the Senate since 2010.

He served as Senate Majority Leader from 2016 until Monday. He also owned and operated the Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealership in Jefferson City for about 20 years.

Kehoe says “we are one Missouri” and that we can only move forward together.

You can listen to Kehoe’s comments here.

Cole County Circuit Judge Patricia Joyce (D) administered the oath of office to Kehoe. Both are parishioners at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City.

Kehoe’s wife and children also attended the ceremony, as did his Senate staff and Monsignor Kurwicki of the Cathedral of St. Joseph.

Missouri Senator Blunt praises federal tax cut; hears concerns about labor shortage

June 18, 2018 By Brian Hauswirth

Missouri’s junior senator says the tax bill signed by President Donald Trump (R) in December is the most pro-growth tax bill ever passed by Congress.

Senator Roy Blunt addresses the Missouri House on April 4, 2018 (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

During a recent roundtable discussion in Jefferson City, mid-Missouri business leaders said the tax cut has helped their companies. But they also told U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R) that they are facing labor shortages.

“You know I think in the middle of the country it is particularly a problem right now, but we’re very close all over the country where there are more jobs available than the total number of people on the unemployment rolls. That’s never happened before,” Blunt says.

Missouri Retailers Association President David Overfelt says there’s currently a shortage of truck drivers, and another businessman told Senator Blunt there’s not enough workers in mid-Missouri for collision companies.

Blunt says the United States is in a “dynamic moment” in our economy.

Blunt, who serves on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, says the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017” has allowed numerous Missouri companies to reinvest in their workforce with bonuses and higher wages.

Senator Blunt tells Missourinet people have “a lot of confidence.”

“We doubled the child tax credit for a family of four that makes $75,000,” says Blunt. “That’s $2,000 more a year of their money that they get to spend.”

While he voted for the bill, U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) was one of 48 senators who voted against it.

McCaskill told reporters in Jefferson City in late March that “the pharmaceutical industry took a $50 billion windfall from that bill, gave it to their shareholders and didn’t lower the price of prescription drugs a penny.”

Senator McCaskill says 83 percent of the money will go to one percent of the country, under the bill.

She also says gains by working families will be offset by higher prescription drug prices.

Man attacked on St. Louis MetroLink; Missouri House committee has been investigating safety issues

June 15, 2018 By Brian Hauswirth

The St. Louis County Prosecutor has filed criminal charges against three suspects accused of this week’s assault on a MetroLink train.

MetroLink Map – Image courtesy of Metro St. Louis

Court documents say the victim was attacked by at least six suspects while riding the train between the Rock Road and UMSL South stations.

Court documents say the suspects allegedly kicked, punched and beat the male victim, who suffered an orbital bone fracture and other facial fractures.

The attack was recorded on surveillance video.

County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch (D) has charged Eddie Price, Jody Dale and Jahma Swanigan with first degree assault.

Court documents quote Dale as telling detectives that the assault was in retaliation for the victim allegedly stealing money and a gun from Dale’s aunt.

Online court documents show Price was arraigned this morning in Clayton, and that his bond has been set at $150,000.

Dale’s bond is $100,000 cash-only, and Swanigan’s bond is $75,000 cash-only.

Three additional suspects are being sought.

Monday’s assault on the MetroLink highlights the issue of crime and violence, an issue that was addressed during a March hearing of the Missouri House Subcommittee on Mass Transit Security in Jefferson City.

Thousands of people use the MetroLink to get to work daily, as well as to St. Louis Cardinal baseball and Blues hockey games.

MetroLink is a 46-mile, 37-station light rail system that stretches from St. Louis Lambert International Airport to Illinois.

Testimony from the March hearing in Jefferson City shows that ridership on the St. Louis system has plummeted from 17.5 million in fiscal year 2014 to 14.9 million in fiscal year 2017.

Bi-State Development President and CEO John Nations testified during that March hearing in Jefferson City, and was asked numerous questions from lawmakers about crime and safety concerns.

“There’s no question we saw an uptick in the incidents on our system, and security has been labeled by our passengers as their number one concern on the system,” Nations testified in March.

State Rep. Mark Matthiesen (R-Maryland Heights) speaks on the Missouri House floor on February 1, 2018 (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Missouri House Subcommittee on Mass Transit Security Chairman Mark Matthiesen, R-Maryland Heights, issued a statement on Friday to Missourinet.

“I am deeply concerned about the man who was brutally attacked on MetroLink earlier this week. The St. Louis County PD has put forth an honest effort to better protect the riders on MetroLink, however it is obvious that more work needs to be done. A thorough investigation is underway to determine the motive for the attack. I anticipate that this crime will only be prevented when all law enforcement agencies are working together on every aspect of transportation security across the metro area.”

Chairman Matthiesen’s last sentence refers, in part, to testimony in March from Bi-State officials, who said that St. Louis County officers had threatened to arrest MetroLink light-rail officers.

Missouri’s Parson: “We cannot keep kicking that can down the road”

June 14, 2018 By Brian Hauswirth

COLUMBIA, Mo.- Missouri’s new governor said Wednesday in Columbia that infrastructure must be a top priority.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson shakes hands with state senators on June 11, 2018, before he addressed a joint session of the Legislature (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Governor Mike Parson (R) briefed reporters at the University of Missouri-Columbia’s campus.

“We cannot keep kicking that can down the road,” Parson said. “We’re going to have to face the fact that we gotta do something. At the end of the day it’s probably going to cost something.”

Missourians will cast ballots in November on a ten cent gasoline tax increase, which would be phased in over four years at 2.5 cents annually.

House Transportation Committee Chairman Bill Reiboldt, R-Neosho, says he hopes Missourians see the need to fund both public safety and roads, with the November ballot issue.

Reiboldt describes the ballot measure as a public safety tax, which would fund the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the road and bridge fund.

“We need to have the people of Missouri where we can present to them what we feel like is the best avenues for the state of Missouri, and let the voters decide at the end of the day whether they want that or not,” said Parson.

Missouri’s current gasoline tax is 17 cents per gallon, which hasn’t been increased since 1996.

U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Ballwin, tells Missourinet that Governor Parson discussed infrastructure and transportation during Monday’s meeting with the state’s congressional delegation in Jefferson City.

Meantime, the Missouri Housing Development Commission is expected to meet soon to discuss low-income housing tax credits.

New Governor Parson, who supports the tax credits, said changes are needed.

“For low-income housing, and I’ve always been supportive of the low-income housing, that’s not been a secret. But there does need to be reform. We need to do real reform in that,” Parson said.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson wears special goggles as he tours a research facility at Mizzou in Columbia on June 13, 2018 (Brian Hauswirth photo)

The Missouri Housing Development Commission, which was established in 1969, administers and provides financing for construction of affordable housing.

During a brief press conference at Mizzou’s Gwynn Hall, a reporter also asked Parson if he’ll use the state airplane.

“We’ll be using the state plane when we feel like it’s appropriate to use it. We’ll drive when we can, but yeah I think right now there’s nothing more important than traveling the state trying to find out what are the issues facing all the communities and all of the people of Missouri,” said Parson.

Governor Parson also said businesses must be involved in partnerships with colleges and universities. Parson toured Mizzou Wednesday morning with UM System President Dr. Mun Choi, Mizzou leaders, state lawmakers and reporters.

Parson also traveled to southeast Missouri’s Gordonville and Sikeston on Wednesday, and ended the day at Cortex in St. Louis.

Wagner, Cleaver say they look forward to working with Missouri Governor Parson (AUDIO)

June 13, 2018 By Brian Hauswirth

Republican and Democratic members of Missouri’s congressional delegation say this week’s meeting with new Governor Mike Parson (R) in Jefferson City was productive.

Missouri Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-Ballwin)

U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Ballwin, says it was a “terrific” meeting.

“We talked about infrastructure and transportation needs, we talked about workforce needs of the state of Missouri,” Wagner says.

Wagner, who’s a Senior Deputy Whip on Capitol Hill, says Missouri’s $88 billion agricultural industry was also discussed at the meeting.

“We talked about trade and agriculture and how we in Washington D.C. can do whatever we possibly can to be supportive of his (Governor Parson’s) agenda,” says Wagner.

The state Department of Agriculture (MDA) released a 2017 report, which says agriculture, forestry and related industries in Missouri produced about 378,000 jobs.

Wagner is also praising the governor’s address to a joint session of the Legislature on Monday.

“And I think that the humility and the servant’s heart of this governor came through today in his remarks, and that he is clearly going to put the people of Missouri first,” Wagner says.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson shakes hands with state senators on June 11, 2018, before he addressed a joint session of the Legislature (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Parson emphasized unity and service, during his address.

Governor Parson, who was sworn-in on June 1, met with Missouri’s congressional delegation on Monday morning.

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Kansas City, has issued a statement to Missourinet, regarding the meeting.

“Governor Parson wants to work with the delegation to make Missouri better. Infrastructure and workforce development are two priorities for the Governor. I appreciate the time spent with him this (Monday) morning and look forward to working together with him,” Cleaver says.

U.S. Sens. Claire McCaskill (D), and Roy Blunt (R) also participated in the meeting, along with U.S. Reps. Wagner, Cleaver, Billy Long, R-Springfield, Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth, Vicky Hartzler, R-Harrisonville, and Jason Smith, R-Salem.

U.S. Rep. William “Lacy” Clay, D-St. Louis, was unable to attend Monday’s meeting, because of his previously scheduled career fair for constituents.

Clay’s spokesman tells Missourinet that Congressman Clay and the governor “had a very positive phone conversation last week.”

New Governor Mike Parson met with Missouri’s congressional delegation on June 11, 2018 (photo courtesy of the Governor’s office)

As for Wagner, she is seeking her fourth term in Washington, and faces an August primary challenge from Noga Sachs.

Five Democrats are running against Wagner: Mark Osmack, Bill Haas, Cort VanOstran, John Messmer and Robert Hazel.

Old Monroe Libertarian Larry Kirk is also running, along with St. Louis Green Party candidate David Arnold.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner. The interview aired during our live one-hour special on June 11, 2018, at the Statehouse in Jefferson City:

Plan ahead if you’re driving to Kansas City on I-70 this weekend (AUDIO)

June 8, 2018 By Brian Hauswirth

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is reminding motorists that I-70 in Kansas City will be completely closed in both directions this weekend, between I-435 and I-470.

MoDOT resident engineer James Pflum says a good detour is in place, adding that the work is needed so three aging bridges over I-70 can be demolished.

“You know everything kind of aligned where we can take this opportunity to knock these three bridges all out at once and then have a good detour in place to do it all in one weekend,” Pflum says.

Pflum tells Missourinet the Pittman Road, Crysler Avenue and Phelps Road bridges were built in about 1963, making them about 55 years old.

I-70 will be closed between I-435 and I-470 from 10 o’clock Friday evening until about 5 am on Monday.

Pflum says motorists must follow the signed detour or find an alternate route.

“The official detour takes you around 470 and then over to 435 and then back up to I-70 that way,” says Pflum. “Or if you’re coming eastbound then it would be 435 down to 470 and then around to I-70 again,” says Pflum.

About 100,000 motorists drive on I-70 near I-435 and I-470 during a normal weekday.

The Royals baseball team is in Oakland this weekend playing the Athletics.

“We really targeted this weekend as the weekend that we wanted to come in and do the work, with the Royals being out of town and it really just kind of made sense for the area as the best weekend to do that,” Pflum says.

Pflum says crews will start rebuilding the bridges on Monday, with I-70 traffic flowing.

The new bridges are expected to be completed by December, weather permitting.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and MoDOT resident engineer James Pflum, which was recorded on June 7, 2018:

Parson indicates he’ll get behind proposed gas tax increase in Missouri

June 6, 2018 By Alisa Nelson

Governor Mike Parson appears to support a bi-partisan ballot measure before voters in November that would boost Missouri’s fuel tax. Parson, a Republican, tells reporters at the Capitol in Jefferson City that a meeting Tuesday with seven Missouri mayors focused on many issues they are facing, including the need to address the state’s deteriorating infrastructure system.

Missouri Lieutenant Governor Mike Parson held numerous meetings on May 30, 2018 in Jefferson City (photo courtesy of Parson’s office)

“I’m going to be supporting infrastructure in the state of Missouri. And yes, if that’s a part of the infrastructure plan, then we’re going to be supporting infrastructure in the state. I have ever since I’ve been running for office and I think that’s important. We cannot keep kicking that can the road and doing nothing for infrastructure,” Parson says.

The proposal would boost the state’s gas tax by 2.5 cents annually for the next four years. The tax is projected to raise $240 million annually to help fund Missouri’s roads, bridges and port systems. The measure would also provide $288 million each year for law enforcement and $123 million annually for city and county projects.

“That’s where it’s going to take us all working together. We need to make sure we have a good plan in place. The thing about it is, the public is going to decide that. The voters are going to decide that,” Parson says.

For years, members of the Missouri Legislature have wrestled with finding a solution to address the state’s transportation needs. Opponents of a gas tax increase say Missourians do not want a tax increase.

Missouri’s gasoline tax is one of the lowest in the nation – 17 cents per gallon. It has not been increased since 1996.

Parson’s Tuesday meeting included Mayors Sly James, Kansas City; Kathy Rose, Riverside; Brian Treece, Columbia; Len Pagano, St. Peters; Karen Best, Branson; Tom Schneider, Florissant; and Carrie Tergin, Jefferson City.

Missouri Governor discusses Cabinet; Parson to meet Tuesday with Kansas City Mayor James (AUDIO)

June 5, 2018 By Brian Hauswirth

The new Missouri governor says he has no plans to replace any Cabinet members.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson (left) and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft (right) sign official resolutions following Parson’s swearing-in ceremony on June 1, 2018 (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Governor Mike Parson (R) briefed the Capitol Press Corps Monday morning, before meeting with the Cabinet at the Statehouse in Jefferson City.

“Governor Greitens brought together a good team to the state of Missouri,” Parson says. “Most of these Cabinet members back here (behind him) that I’m looking forward to working with. I don’t anticipate any changes in the Cabinet that I’m aware of.”

As Parson spoke to reporters at the door of his office, the Cabinet members were watching and listening behind him.

Parson says he wants to be a resource for the Cabinet.

Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Chris Chinn says she plans to stay in her position.

Chinn tells Missourinet farmers and ranchers have one of their own, with Parson as governor.

“Many farmers that I visited with over the weekend were really excited to know that there was going to be someone who understood agriculture as a farmer, who knows what it’s like to be a price taker instead of a price maker,” says Chinn.

A price maker is someone who’s able to influence market prices.

Chinn, a fifth-generation farmer from northeast Missouri’s Clarence, says Governor Parson will have one-on-one meetings with department directors in the coming weeks.

Meantime, Parson says he wants urban mayors to know the challenges rural Missouri is facing, and wants rural mayors to know about the challenges in urban areas.

The Republican governor will meet Tuesday with Kansas City Mayor Sly James, and will meet soon with St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson.

James and Krewson are both prominent Democrats.

“We want to learn about what their issues are both in St. Louis and Kansas City, we’re bringing a coalition of mayors in actually,” Parson says. “But I also want to be able to utilize the urban areas and the rural areas. I want both to know what the challenges are for all over the state.”

Kansas City Mayor Sly James (at podium) addresses reporters on February 14, 2018 in Jefferson City (photo courtesy of MoDOT’s Gene McCoy)

James and the bipartisan “Missouri Mayors United for Progress” will meet with Parson Tuesday.

James, the group president, unsuccessfully pushed primary seat belt legislation and a ban on texting while driving during the 2018 session.

59 Missouri cities and counties have now adopted primary seat belt ordinances.

Click here to listen to Missouri Governor Mike Parson’s full media briefing, which took place on June 4, 2018 at the Statehouse in Jefferson City. Missourinet news director Brian Hauswirth participated in that briefing:

Bridge repairs to slow traffic on Hwy 63 Southbound between Columbia and Jefferson City

May 29, 2018 By Missourinet Contributor

Beginning in the overnight hours on Tuesday, May 29, southbound drivers on Hwy 63 should expect changes and delays on the bridge south of Discovery Parkway- over Bonne Femme Creek.

As the bridge repair continues, only one 12-foot lane will be open through the work zone until mid-June. The entire project is scheduled for completion in July.

Missouri Department of Transportation traffic modeling indicates that during peak travel times, delays will routinely reach 30 minutes or more, with times where backups could be closer to two hours. Look for message boards, signs and of course, road construction crews.

MoDOT urges drivers to help traffic flow better by using the zipper merge concept before entering the work zone, that is when traffic is slowed or stopped, motorists can use both lanes of traffic until they reach the point where the road is closed, then take turns with other drivers to ease into the remaining lane.

MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map provides current traffic conditions. Vehicle crashes and other incidents are noted on the map, which will inform drivers that the road is closed, to expect delays or that delays are possible. The map also shows real-time traffic flow.

Extra Missouri state troopers will patrol roadways and waterways on Memorial Day weekend (AUDIO)

May 25, 2018 By Brian Hauswirth

You’ll notice extra Missouri state troopers on the highways during this 2018 Memorial Day weekend.

A Missouri state trooper on the Lake of the Ozarks in August 2017 (file photo courtesy of the Missouri State Highway Patrol}

Every available trooper will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and helping motorists.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Lt. Paul Reinsch says the Patrol is participating in Operation C.A.R.E., which stands for crash awareness reduction effort.

“We’re trying to get as many troopers that are available out on the roadways, not only to look at aggressive driving and other violations but we want our officers to be out there to help the stranded motorists as well,” Reinsch says.

The Friday before Memorial Day is traditionally one of the busiest travel days of the year in Missouri, as people head to lakes and other Memorial Day holiday destinations.

Reinsch says troopers are being stationed at 20-mile intervals Friday along Interstates 29, 44, 55 and 70, as well as Highways 60 and 61.

“We’re going to be promoting safety by looking for those aggressive drivers, particularly speeding, maybe aggressive passing and things of that nature,” says Reinsch. “And we’re just wanting to make the roadways as safe as possible.”

During Missouri’s 2017 Memorial Day weekend, nine people died and 496 were injured in 1,122 traffic crashes.

Reinsch tells Missourinet that troopers made 107 DWI arrests during the 2017 Memorial Day weekend.

He encourages you to call *55 on your cell phone, if you see impaired drivers or aggressive driving.

Meantime, Missouri state troopers will also be on the state’s lakes and waterways during this Memorial Day weekend, which is the unofficial start to the boating season.

Reinsch notes state law requires children under the age of seven to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation device anytime they’re in a boat.

“Again, it’s not only important for those children it’s important for adults, and as we learned last weekend with the tragic loss of life at the Lake of the Ozarks, it’s extremely important to wear one,” Reinsch says.

Lieutenant Reinsch says three people died and two others were seriously injured in last weekend’s boating crash, when a boat crashed into a rock bluff.

Reinsch tells Missourinet that deadly incident is still under investigation.

During Missouri’s 2017 Memorial Day weekend, one person died and seven were injured in 15 boating crashes.

Click here to listen to Missourinet news director Brian Hauswirth’s full interview with Missouri State Highway Patrol Lieutenant Paul Reinsch, which was recorded on May 24, 2018: