The Missouri Department of Transportation is seeking public input on the future movement of goods and people in Missouri by rail at a series of public open house meetings across the state.
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The St. Joseph meeting will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at the MoDOT District Office Northwest Conference Training Room at 3602 North Belt Highway.
The purpose of the meetings – both in person and online – is to gather public input on the development of MoDOT’s Statewide Rail Plan. The plan will serve as the strategic framework for the development of both freight and passenger rail service in Missouri for the next 20 years, so it is vital we hear from Missourians to incorporate their needs into this process.
A Statewide Rail Plan is necessary for Missouri to pursue critical federal funds for planning and constructing rail projects and prioritizing investments that will enhance the movement of people and goods, expand connections between all modes of transportation and support long-term economic growth in Missouri.
In addition to the open house meetings, MoDOT is hosting an online public meeting from October 18 through November 18 at morail.org. This online meeting will give those unable to personally attend public open houses a chance to learn about freight and passenger rail in Missouri, ask questions and provide input.
As work on the plan begins, the public is being asked to comment on the following:
• The current rail system’s ability to serve Missouri’s businesses in moving raw materials and finished products.
• The state’s interest in and potential ridership of intercity passenger rail.
• The role of publically funded improvements to move people and goods on privately owned railroad systems.
• The importance of investing in different types of rail projects compared to other infrastructure needs, given likely funding limitations.
The public is encouraged to join the open house or online meeting to review project information, ask questions and discuss the plan with MoDOT representatives. At the open house meetings, a presentation will be given at 6 p.m. All public meeting sites are wheel-chair accessible. The information presented at the open house meetings will also be included as part of the online public meeting.
This public meeting is being co-hosted by the St. Joseph Metro Chamber of Commerce, Mo-Kan Regional Council, Green Hills Regional Planning Commission and the Northwest Missouri Regional Council for Governments.
For more information about the rail plan, persons can go to www.morail.org.