Stouffer: MoDOT Releases Plans to Restructure

For several years, leaders throughout the state have worked to “sound the alarm” that the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) would have a funding crisis starting in 2011. Today, we begin working under that new reality as the organization moves from designing and building new roads to a more maintenance-centered plan.

On Wednesday, May 4, 2011, MoDOT’s Director presented a “Bolder, Five-Year Direction” to the commission overseeing the agency. It will be the first major restructuring of the organization since maintenance shed boundaries were established in the 1930s.

This plan will put smaller government right in our backyards; this will affect every corner of our state and many, many Missouri families. Talk of stewardship is great, but hurts deeply when it comes this close to home. Under this new proposal, MoDOT will reduce 1,200 employees, 135 facilities and more than 740 pieces of equipment.

These changes include the proposed closure of facilities in the following communities in the 21st Senatorial District: Atlanta, Blackwater, Bosworth, Higginsville, Lexington, Macon, Marshall Junction, Millville, New Cambria, Richmond and Sweet Springs.

Missourians realize with this agency’s construction program going from an average of $1.2 billion to about $600 million a year, many sacrifices will have to be made. This will also include a reorganization that will reduce middle-management positions, starting in Jefferson City.

Unfortunately, the current plan will have a significant impact on the area I represent, particularly the District 2 office in Macon. The employees, families and the businesses and the communities they support are very real to me.

I have respectfully asked the commission overseeing the department to reconsider the plan to move District 2 to a region headquartered Hannibal. Unfortunately, a deed restriction at the Hannibal site prohibits the property from ever selling. However, the real market value of the property in Macon should be considered after the department has made significant investments in this facility over the years.

While I agree with the direction of the plan, I hope others will join me in providing suggestions during this public comment period for the final draft.