Denison: Special Session Officially Set, More MoDOT Work

“Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Special Session Officially Set

In previous reports I’ve mentioned the likelihood of the legislature returning for a special session. This week it became official as the governor set the call for an extraordinary session that will begin September 6. The primary issue, petitioned by the legislative body, is to address a wide-ranging economic development bill meant to attract new businesses and create good-paying jobs. As I’ve mentioned in the past, the bill contains a number of proposals designed to restructure the way the state’s incentives are used to attract and retain businesses. One portion of the plan would overhaul our existing tax credits to save the state approximately $1.5 billion over the next 15 years. Other provisions would create new incentives designed to make the airport in St. Louis an international trade hub; encourage the growth and development of science and technology-based companies; and attract computer data centers to locate in Missouri. The plan also would create incentives designed to help existing companies stay in Missouri instead of moving to other states.

In just a matter of days we will discuss this incredibly important bill in the halls of the state Capitol. There are many things to like about it including the fiscal accountability measures that will save our state more than $1.5 billion in the years to come. The other incentives we’re looking at must be looked at carefully to ensure they represent the best possible utilization of state resources. We want to make smart, responsible investments that will lead to sustainable economic growth and, most importantly, good-paying jobs for the many Missourians who continue to struggle to find work. As we spend the next several weeks in Jefferson City, we will do our best to create a strong jobs bill that will help bring down our unemployment rate and put Missourians back to work.

In The District

Following is the work being accomplished this week on three of the road construction projects in Springfield. The information is from MoDOT:

Route 60/65 Interchange Reconstruction, Springfield

• Pouring concrete for new pavement for eastbound Route 60east of the Lake Springfield bridge
• Building crossovers in median of Route 65 on either side of Route 60 between old northbound lanes and southbound lanes
• Hauling in rock and dirt to build new westbound lanes of Route 60 leading to new bridge over railroad tracks west of Route 65
• Building columns for new eastbound and westbound Route 60 bridges over railroad tracks west of Route 65

Route 65 Six-Laning Project, Springfield

• Installing street lights at Chestnut Expressway, Division Street and Kearney Street interchanges
• Installing road signs in various locations between Sunshine Street and I-44
• Dirt work and spreading grass seed and mulch in various locations
• Pouring concrete for soundwall footings on west side of Route 65 between Gasconade Street bridge and Route 60
• A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for September 7, 2011

I-44: Night work

One eastbound lane closed between Glenstone Avenue and Route 65. Mile Markers 80-82. Pavement repairs. Work hours: 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Interim Office Hours

Interim office hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Normal schedule will resume December 1, 2011. If you need to call me at home, my number is 417-887-3353.

I look forward to hearing from you. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Best wishes.