By Tim Schmidt Record Managing Editor Two bridges would be replaced and multiple roads resurfaced in Warren County among other projects if a statewide sales tax measure passes. Last week, MoDOT released a draft list of projects to be funded if voters statewide approve a temporary three-quarter cent sales tax on Aug. 5. The tax would generate an additional $5.4 billion over a 10-year period. The additional funds would have to be used for transportation projects. Under the proposal, the sales tax increase would not be applied to purchases of medicine, groceries and gasoline. Also, fuel taxes would not increase and toll roads would not be implemented over the 10-year period the tax is in place. MoDOT is required to create the project list so voters know what projects would be funded if the sales tax measure passes. Public comments will be accepted on the draft list until July 3. Officials expect to have around $170 million available to spend in the 17-county Northeast District, which includes Warren County. The figure includes a reduction for inflation. “Our commitment is we are going to do the best we can with the resources we have,” said Paula Gough, Northeast District engineer. The statewide list includes reconstructing and widening Interstate 70 to six lanes between Wentzville and Independence, with $500 million to be allocated for the estimated $1.5 billion project. The remaining costs would be covered by other funding sources, MoDOT officials said. In Warren County, the draft list includes replacing the Highway 94 bridge over Treloar Creek and the Highway D bridge over a branch of Tuque Creek. Resurfacing projects that have been identified will occur on Highways O, D, W, and 94. Other local projects making the draft list including adding a turn lane on Highway M at Pinckney Avenue in Truesdale and making improvements to the Highway 47 interchange that are not included with the statewide I-70 improvements. The draft list was compiled from input provided by regional planning members and transportation partners. “We put a heavy focus on taking care of the system,” said Erik Manigna, MoDOT area engineer. Two projects not making the list include adding interstate ramps at the existing South Stracks Church overpass or constructing an interchange west of Warrenton. Gough said it was decided to focus on the existing Highway 47 overpass rather than consider a new interchange project. The draft list could be changed, she said, but that would require eliminating or reducing the scope of work to add another project. The priority list will be submitted to the state highway commission for approval at its July 9 meeting. MoDOT is hosting an open house Monday, June 23, from 3-6 p.m. at Boonslick Regional Planning Commission, located at 111 Steinhagen in Warrenton. “We want everybody and anybody to attend and have input,” Gough remarked. If the transportation sales tax passes, 90 percent of the revenue would be for state projects, and the other 10 percent would be split between cities and counties. Warren County would receive an additional $175,000 annually to be used on transportation projects, a 25-percent increase on what it currently receives. Warrenton and Wright City are estimated to receive an additional $54,000 and $21,000 annually over the 10-year period. Northern District Commissioner Dan Hampson fears that if the sales tax measure is defeated, the condition of I-70 will continue to crumble. “If this does not pass, people will not like the alternative,” he commented. “My fear is we will be talking toll roads again. That is something that will devastate the entire county.” State Rep. Bart Korman (R-High Hill), who attended Tuesday’s meeting with the Warren County commissioners, MoDOT officials and Warrenton Mayor Jerry Dyer, agreed that all options would be on the table if the tax measure fails, including a renewed debate on toll roads.
MoDOT
