The 30-day public review and comment period began Wednesday for Missouri’s 2022-2026 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
A draft was presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.
The STIP details transportation construction programs averaging $1.1 billion annually for five years. It lists projects for fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
The draft includes detailed project information for non-highway modes of transportation, planned operations and maintenance activities for the next three years, and expenditures for those same activities in the prior year.
The draft also includes funding for the Focus on Bridges program. Phase one authorizes $50 million in general revenue to expedite the repair and replacement of 45 bridges, while phase two authorizes $301 million in bonding.
“MoDOT’s priority is maintaining the existing system of highways and bridges,” Eric Curtit, planning director for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), said. “We have developed asset management plans for each district, which focus on preventive maintenance improvements to keep good roads and bridges in good condition. If preventive maintenance investments were not made, the cost of improving the asset in poor condition can cost four to ten times more.”
Public comments will be presented to the commission. It will review them and the final draft before its July meeting.