2008 Woodie Awards
Letters to the Editor
Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: Opinions
When the Missouri Transportation Commission met in Kirksville last year, we formally requested the extension of our responsibilities to include connecting Kirksville to the Iowa border with an improved highway, starting with our alternate route to Baltimore Street to relieve congestion and promote economic development.
Last fall, our Northeast Missouri Regional Planning Commission was invited to submit a project for consideration to include in MoDOT's Statewide Transportation Investment Priorities. Twenty-four districts presented proposals. Of the projects submitted from throughout the state, it was announced that five projects could be included with the remaining very limited Amendment 3 funds.
One of MoDOT's investment priorities is to improve the operation of Missouri's freight transportation system in order to increase efficiency, reduce congestion and foster economic development. Our alternate route proposal fit the requirements perfectly. Our district engineer, Dan Niec, presented our proposal to the regional planners, and we were chosen No. 4 out of all the projects submitted. It is planned that eventually, as needed, the project can be expanded to four lanes.
MoDOT originally purchased the land for our bypass about 10 years ago, and the city of Kirksville invested about $4 million in moving utilities. If we extend the sales tax for economic development as proposed to MoDOT, our proposal will be presented to the Missouri Highway Commission for approval in May.
At that time, our Highway District Transportation Department will develop the project with assistance from public input and city officials. It could be finished by 2012 and ready for our next step north. If our community does not support the tax extension, the project funds will go to another area. This is a one-time opportunity.
Harriet Beard
Member of the Highway 63 Corporation
Current school board members accomplished much for town
April 8 is the Kirksville School Board election. I would like to commend the members of the current school board for their progressive actions and foresight. Without parental pressure, the members recently voted to add a girls' volleyball program. Board members became aware of the need for more opportunities for the young women in our community and were proactive in creating a new program.
I am writing to encourage readers to vote for the three incumbent candidates, Kim Bailey, Jason Denslow and Todd Wheeler. In contrast to their female challenger, these candidates have shown support for all students, including those with disabilities.
These Board members have been faithful to their responsibilities and deserve your support.
Becky Pike
Kirksville resident
Last fall, our Northeast Missouri Regional Planning Commission was invited to submit a project for consideration to include in MoDOT's Statewide Transportation Investment Priorities. Twenty-four districts presented proposals. Of the projects submitted from throughout the state, it was announced that five projects could be included with the remaining very limited Amendment 3 funds.
One of MoDOT's investment priorities is to improve the operation of Missouri's freight transportation system in order to increase efficiency, reduce congestion and foster economic development. Our alternate route proposal fit the requirements perfectly. Our district engineer, Dan Niec, presented our proposal to the regional planners, and we were chosen No. 4 out of all the projects submitted. It is planned that eventually, as needed, the project can be expanded to four lanes.
MoDOT originally purchased the land for our bypass about 10 years ago, and the city of Kirksville invested about $4 million in moving utilities. If we extend the sales tax for economic development as proposed to MoDOT, our proposal will be presented to the Missouri Highway Commission for approval in May.
At that time, our Highway District Transportation Department will develop the project with assistance from public input and city officials. It could be finished by 2012 and ready for our next step north. If our community does not support the tax extension, the project funds will go to another area. This is a one-time opportunity.
Harriet Beard
Member of the Highway 63 Corporation
Current school board members accomplished much for town
April 8 is the Kirksville School Board election. I would like to commend the members of the current school board for their progressive actions and foresight. Without parental pressure, the members recently voted to add a girls' volleyball program. Board members became aware of the need for more opportunities for the young women in our community and were proactive in creating a new program.
I am writing to encourage readers to vote for the three incumbent candidates, Kim Bailey, Jason Denslow and Todd Wheeler. In contrast to their female challenger, these candidates have shown support for all students, including those with disabilities.
These Board members have been faithful to their responsibilities and deserve your support.
Becky Pike
Kirksville resident
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