A broad coalition of stakeholders has come together to inspire action on one of the most important competitiveness issues Missouri is currently facing \u2013 our transportation funding crisis.<\/p>\n
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Missouri Chamber Federation, Missouri AFL-CIO, the Missouri Bankers Association and the Missouri Realtors are a few of the organizations that have voiced concern over Missouri\u2019s mounting transportation infrastructure funding shortfalls.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a crisis that impacts nearly every economic sector in our state. That\u2019s why we are working together as a force to tell lawmakers that choosing to ignore the issue is choosing deteriorating, unsafe roads and economic decline for Missouri,\u201d said Dan Mehan, Missouri Chamber president and CEO.<\/p>\n
Missouri has not increased the gas tax or registration fees since the 1990s. Initiatives have been voted down at the ballot box in Missouri, while other states, including most of Missouri\u2019s neighboring states, have secured increased transportation investment either through elections or legislative action.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s frustrating to see Missouri roads crumble, while we send our workers to other states to build other states\u2019 transportation projects,\u201d said Jake Hummel, president of the Missouri AFL-CIO. \u201cInvestment in our infrastructure will increase safety for all Missourians and create and sustain good jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n
2021 may be the year to end that frustration as lawmakers are currently considering a legislative funding package that could provide nearly $500 million in increased transportation investment. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Dave Schatz, would phase in a gas tax increase over five years. The legislation has been passed by the Missouri Senate and awaits consideration by the Missouri House.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur qualified heavy highway contractors have the skill and expertise to build Missouri\u2019s roadways on time and on budget,\u201d said Jeremy Bennett, Executive Director of SITE Improvement Association. \u201cThis ensures the proper use of taxpayer funds to expedite road projects safely and effectively.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both rural and urban interests are calling for increased transportation investment. The business communities in Missouri\u2019s largest metros are also backing the call, including the St. Louis Regional Business Council, Greater St. Louis Inc., the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the Kansas City Civic Council.<\/p>\n
\u201cSt. Louis drivers spend 46 hours per year in congestion,\u201d said Kathy Osborn, president and CEO of the St. Louis Regional Business Council. \u201cThat\u2019s a full work week gone. That\u2019s gallons of gas, wasted. That\u2019s thousands of idling trucks slowing commerce and raising consumer costs. We hardly have the funding to maintain the roads and bridges that we have, much less expand the system to alleviate this growing problem in our metros.<\/p>\n
Missouri\u2019s inability to fund its infrastructure needs has significant economic impacts.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing within a day\u2019s reach of half of Missouri households, manufacturers and agriculture producers is an incredible economic advantage,\u201d said John Sebree, CEO of the Missouri Realtors Association. \u201cBut that advantage evaporates if we allow the connections to those markets to deteriorate.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we want businesses to invest in our state, we must provide assurances that the foundation upon which they are staking their business future is strong,\u201d said Max Cook, president and CEO of the Missouri Bankers Association. \u201cThe shrinking buying power of our road and bridge fund is one of our state\u2019s most concerning economic liabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n
These associations, some of the most influential business groups in the state, carry a lot of weight with the Missouri General Assembly.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hope by showing lawmakers just how far-reaching this call for action is, they will work to resolve this critical need,\u201d Mehan said.<\/p>\n
To see a full list of supporting organizations or to add your name to the list of supporters, go to the Missouri Can\u2019t Wait website at www.missouricantwait.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n