Captiol Report for July 9th, 2008

Our Roads Need Real Repair
Over the long weekend that spanned numerous Fourth of July celebrations, I traveled many miles across our region of the state, and I can honestly say that many of the lettered routes I traveled on are in the worst shape I have ever seen. Although MoDot has done a better job of repairing many of the heavier traveled roads in our state, the simple fact remains that the lettered routes in our state are literally crumbling beneath us.
From the first day I was elected, I have fought tirelessly for increased funding of road repairs. From the major highways that stretch across this state to the thousands of miles of lettered routes that make up the 12th Senate District, our roads are in desperate need of repair. In the past two years, massive flooding compounded by a horrendous winter has done severe damage to already crumbling roads and bridges. The need to find a solution to fix our roads is greater than ever as the current rate of repair does not and will not meet the needs of our communities.
The funding of a safe and reliable transportation infrastructure must continue be a top priority for our state government. Unfortunately, in years past, the General Assembly has been more focused on growing social welfare programs and giving away special interest perks than funding reliable roads. A reliable, safe, and adequate transportation infrastructure is imperative to the economic success of our communities.
While Missourians have always been proud of our ability to "do more with less," the reality is that the decades of neglect need real solutions. While I have been grateful of MODOT’s efforts to improve efficiency and target more funding to road repairs in recent years, I remain concerned that our transportation needs will continue to be placed behind wants that are more politically popular. I will continue to fight for real solutions that will repair the roads and bridges that are the lifeblood of our communities.
As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is brad.lager@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 429, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.