MODOT Proposes Massive Cuts in Staff, Facilities, and Equipment

Missouri Department of Transportation Director Kevin Keith presented a plan to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission on May 4, 2011, that includes reducing the department's staff by 1,200, closing 135 facilities and selling more than 740 pieces of equipment. The proposed direction will save $512 million that will be used for vital road and bridge projects. The staff reduction will occur through attrition and transfers, and, as a last step, layoffs. MoDOT will hold community briefings throughout the state over the next month to explain the new plan.

In the Northwest District, briefings are already scheduled in some areas and include: St. Joseph, Missouri-East Hills Public Library, Downstairs Theater, Wednesday, May 11, 2011, 10:00 am to Noon. Maryville, Missouri, The Hangar Theater, 1602 South Main, Tuesday, May 17, 2011, 10:00 am to Noon. Cameron, Missouri, City Council Chambers, 205 North Main, Wednesday, May 18, 2011, 10:00 am to Noon. Bethany, Missouri, South Harrison High School, 3400 Bulldog Avenue, Wednesday, May 18, 2011, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm [Please park in the north parking lot].

The plan also includes reducing the number of its district offices from 10 to 7. MoDOT will close district offices in Macon, Joplin and Willow Springs, but will maintain area offices in those cities and have a strong presence in every county in the state. The Northwest District will expand from the current 12 counties to 16, adding Mercer, Grundy, Livingston, and Carroll counties to the east. The commission is expected to act on the proposal at its June 8 meeting. If approved, the recommendations will begin to be put into place immediately with full implementation scheduled for December of 2012. More information can be found at http://www.modot.org/.