MoDOT Launches Missouri Freight Plan January 27, 2014 - For immediate release - MoDOT JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri Department of Transportation has launched the Missouri Freight Plan, the next step in a process begun in 2013 to develop the states long-range transportation plan. Statewide freight forums, designed to obtain significant input into the plan from freight stakeholders, will be held beginning Wed., Jan. 29 and continuing through Feb. 7. Freight moved by trucks, barges, planes and trains is an essential part of the states economy. In 2012, for example, Missouri exported $13.9 billion in freight. In developing the Freight Plan, MoDOT will work with freight partners to help itself - and the state as a whole - better understand the cost to the Missouri economy if the states freight network stagnates or deteriorates. 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 theyre for improvement projects, policy changes or other ideas. The Freight Plan will describe Missouris 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. Of course, that takes resources that we dont have right now, Hassinger said, but if we dont take this deeper look into the situation, well never know what our best options are for the time when we can make these important investments. The plan follows up on information gained during the first phase of developing a long-range transportation plan. In 2013, MoDOT had conversations throughout the state in which it learned that Missourians want a safe, reliable and economically prosperous transportation system. The effort to develop the Freight Plan will involve a series of stakeholder interviews, freight forums and business forums, each aimed at reaching key audiences involved in Missouris freight system. Freight and industry stakeholders - such as logistics directors, shipping managers and economic development professionals - are invited to the freight forums to discuss issues, needs, concerns and opportunities in the state. 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 chsmith@burnsmcd. Reed Team | January 28, 2014 at 3:57 pm | URL: wp.me/p2tmx5-vK
Posted on: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 23:36:04 +0000