MoDOT's diminished credibility questioned, panel says

October 30, 2003
By: Stephanie Hockridge
State Capital Bureau

Missouri has the third worst road conditions among states and a new report says that this has ruined MoDOT's credibility with Missouri residents. Stephanie Hockridge has the story.

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MoDOT's Blue Ribbon Panel is comprised of independent lay persons from all over the state.

Their main purpose is to review MoDOT operations and recommend how the department can improve.

The panel says the public has diminished confidence in the state's transportation leadership and significant changes are necessary.

Panel chairmen Jack Magruder says that Missouri roads cannot improve until the state provides enough resources.

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"WE'VE GOT A PROBLEM WITH RESOURCES IN THIS STATE. THE RESOURCES ARE NOT SUFFICIENT TO DO WHAT PEOPLE EXPECT TO BE DONE WITH HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATIONS. UNTIL WE GET TO THE POINT WHERE WE ARE WILLING TO PROVIDE MORE RESOURCES, WE'RE NOT GOING TO SEE TREMENDOUS IMPROVEMENT."

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He says the only way to improve Missouri roads is to increase credibility and integrity of the whole operation.

From the state Capitol, I'm Stephanie Hockridge.


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