The Missouri Department of Transportation today announced the launch of the Missouri Freight Plan, “the next step in a process begun in 2013 to develop the state’s long-range transportation plan.”
The state will launch freight forums to held from January 29- February 7 to gain input from freight stakeholders.
“Freight moved by trucks, barges, planes and trains is an essential part of the state’s economy,” MoDOT stated.
In 2012, Missouri exported $13.9 billion in freight, MoDOT stated.
MoDOT said it plans to work with freight partners to help “better understand” the cost of possible “stagnates or deteriorates” to the Missouri economy.
“Freight stakeholders in Missouri know better than we do what they need to make their businesses competitive,” said MoDOT Chief Engineer Ed Hassinger. “We want to hear their thoughts, whether they’re for improvement projects, policy changes or other ideas.”
“The Freight Plan will describe Missouri’s existing freight transportation system and provide MoDOT with the ability to articulate what freight projects would be most helpful to the state should additional funds be made available in the future,” MoDOT reported.
In 2013, MoDOT held “conversations” throughout Missouri to hear what Missourians wanted in a safe, reliable and economical transportation system. MoDOT says this plan will follow up on information that was gained through the conversations.
MoDOT anticipates the draft freight plan to be prepared for review by June 2014, with a final report in September 2014.
Freight Forum Schedule
To participate, freight and industry stakeholders – such as logistics directors, shipping managers and economic development professionals – should RSVP to Chelsey Smith at 816-627-4768 [email protected].
Central District
Hosted by Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry
428 E Capitol Ave, Jefferson City
Wednesday, January 29
9-11:30 a.m.
Northwest District
St. Joseph Metro Chamber
3003 Frederick Ave, St. Joseph
Thursday, January 30
9-11:30 a.m.
Kansas City District
Hosted by Greater Kansas City
Chamber of Commerce
Union Station, Chamber Board Room
30 West Pershing, Kansas City
Friday, January 31
9-11:30 a.m.
Northeast District
Hosted by Hannibal-LaGrange University
Partee Center, Page Dining Room
2800 Palmyra Rd, Hannibal
Tuesday, February 4
9-11:30 a.m.
Southeast District
Southeast Missouri State University
River Campus, Glenn Convocation Center
518 S Fountain St, Cape Girardeau
Wednesday, February 5
9-11:30 a.m.
St. Louis District
MoDOT Transportation Management Center
14301 South Outer 40 Rd, Chesterfield
Thursday, February 6
1-3 p.m.
Southwest District
Hosted by Springfield-Branson National Airport
Board Room
2300 N Airport Blvd, Springfield
Friday, February 7
9-11:30 a.m.