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Chamber gets cool reception to 'I-54' proposal

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By Don Norfleet

Published: Tuesday, September 1, 2009 1:10 PM CDT

A representative of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce encountered a cool reception Monday afternoon when he asked Callaway County leaders for support in seeking an interstate designation for U.S. 54.

Mark Mehmert, representing the Jefferson City Chamber, said after the meeting he had expected to encounter opposition to the proposal, but he said in the long run, Callaway County will benefit from the interstate designation.

The Jefferson City Chamber is sounding out leaders in all counties in Missouri to permit a north-south interstate route to be designated in the center of the state, according to Mehmert.

The plan is for U.S. 54 to be connected as an interstate highway to Interstate 44 in Missouri and Interstate 72 in Illinois.

When Jefferson City Chamber officials seek new industry, the city is often marked off the industry shopping lists of cities because it is not located along an interstate highway, Mehmert said.

Mehmert also said he believes that even though there may be some negative impacts in Callaway County, the county will benefit in the long run if it has north-south interstate access to the county as well as east-west access, which it now has with Interstate 70.

Callaway County representatives attending the meeting included: all three Callaway County commissioners: Nancy Lewis, executive director of the Kingdom of Callaway Chamber of Commerce; Bruce Hackmann, of the Fulton Area Development Corporation; Pamela Murray, Holts Summit alderwoman; Curtis Wardfield, a Kingdom City businessman; and Richard O'Brien, a Fulton businessman who is a member of the Firefighters Memorial Commission at Kingdom City.

Mehmert asked Callaway County to join a coalition seeking the interstate designation of U.S. 54. He requested a financial contribution from the county to help finance a feasibility study and to appoint a representative to the developing coalition.

To view the entire article, please go to our e-edition/">e-edition.


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Thanks.

boscoe wrote on Sep 11, 2009 8:38 AM:

" What wasteful spending by Mo-DOT are you talking about? I don't see too much road maintenance or construction money being wasted. I think they need more to do more. "

G.Willikers wrote on Sep 10, 2009 7:54 AM:

" No, it's time MoDOT and other govt. agencies spend money WISELY. Giving them more money to _iss away will NOT solve the problem. Let's start reigning in spending, especially to foreign countries and start spending US money in the US. "

boscoe wrote on Sep 9, 2009 11:25 AM:

" Time to raise gasoline and diesel taxes. The taxes have been stagnant for years. They should be changed to be a percentage of the price of fuel. "

@da'lake wrote on Sep 8, 2009 10:31 AM:

" If you factor in the cost to improve, the fact that MoDOT is whining about not having any extra money above maintenance costs, the fact that MoDOT will probably be seeking one (o more) tax increases to cover the projects they currently have on the table and want to do, etc., even if the chamber got better than a cool recpetion to the idea, we're talking 25-30 years minimum before any work would begin.

It's a poor idea and will do NOTHING to bring anything to JC because the city "leaders" simply do not care about improving JC if it means cost/work for them. They are happy with status quo, unless someone else is willing to do the work and foot the bill. "

@da'lake wrote on Sep 8, 2009 10:29 AM:

" This is all much hoopla about something that we will never see in most of our lifetimes, even if it was a good idea. Highway 50 is a MAJOR east-west corridor and has been a pit for YEARS. It's taken them, what, about 25 years to make any major improvements and all that will do is be 4-lane from JC to California, then 4 lane from Sedalia to KC. Still have MAJOR problems with that highway between Sedalia & California and east of JC. "

TransplantFrom7 wrote on Sep 8, 2009 10:12 AM:

" Geoff-f - It is NOT the only reason to have an Interstate come here. But I think removing a major roadblock for the Economic Development staff that Randy Allen and Missy Bonnot have is a BIG plus. I go back to my earlier analogy. How many towns became ghost towns when the railroads bypassed them in the 1800's? Our transportation system is fine here, we know that. But someone in Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Seattle, Denver, Phoenix or anywhere else in the world who is looking at a map does not think that it is. It IS about PERCEPTION.

I know this. I came here from somewhere else thinking that way too. Get it? "

TransplantFrom7 wrote on Sep 8, 2009 10:09 AM:

" Big Red One - Hwy 63 would cost 3 to 5 times more to upgrade than Hwy 54...the grade, the curves, the access...all factors that need to be improved on 63 to make it an Interstate, are further in need of updating than 54 would need...at least on the stretch from I-70 to Jefferson City. Looking at turning 63 to Jeff City into an interstate spur in the long term (20-30 years) is a good idea, but 54 makes more sense in the shorter (10-20 years) term. "

boscoe wrote on Sep 7, 2009 10:31 PM:

" I was just hoping we could get a Cracker Barrel... "

geoff-f wrote on Sep 7, 2009 1:00 PM:

" "When Jefferson City Chamber officials seek new industry, the city is often marked off the industry shopping lists of cities because it is not located along an interstate highway, Mehmert said."

If this were the only reason then I would be for an interstate. But I don't believe it is. An interstate designation would mean upgrading the current 4-lane US 54 with outer roads and/or interchanges so that access to the highway would be limited. A costly, costly effort.

Let's start with the cheaper items on industry's list of this city's faults. "

BigRedOne wrote on Sep 5, 2009 11:29 PM:

" I think it would actually make more sense to upgrade Hwy. 63 to an Interstate. It would connect Minneapolis and Memphis and everything in between and would still be a North/South connector. "

boscoe wrote on Sep 5, 2009 12:18 PM:

" Grinda, you just know we are gonna get a huge NAFTA expressway to support the contnuation of the huge su_cking sound of jobs going to Mexico somewhere. It might as well go through Jefferson City so we can benefit from it and get our share of the profit from the traffic like Rolla and Lebanon do from I-44. "

grinda wrote on Sep 4, 2009 9:40 PM:

" I would hate to see Hwy. 54 become part of the North-South Hwy. to NAFTA. That's the big bone, no many how many years it takes to shove it down our throats. If a N-S Interstate just 'appears,' that much the better! "

bluenurse wrote on Sep 3, 2009 10:27 PM:

" At the risk of offending people - I find a lot to like about JC or I wouldn't come out there as often as I do. I do not like travelling I-70 primariliy because of the trucks. Most are not a problem but all it takes is one or two playing games like boxing you in. Once I get to 54, it's smoother sailing. I honestly can't remember seeing a tractor-trailer on 54. Also, I like the scenery - not as many billboards. If these coments make me an old hen, then CLUCK-
CLUCK.

Have a safe, fun weekend, everybody. Old blue is working tomorrow. "

factsnodrama wrote on Sep 3, 2009 4:53 PM:

" Bring on the interstate, a great idea. It will benifit more than it will inconvience, why delay progress?

For that matter, once the interstate is here, we could build a new airport and make Columbia's obsolite. The current location is suject to flood and limitted in space. The jobs to upgrade 54 would be a huge boost to start. "

TransplantFrom7 wrote on Sep 3, 2009 3:35 PM:

" Boscoe - Your sarcasm on the road $$$ is noted. Exactly, why wouldn't we want that part of the puzzle? Same argument for Callaway 2...except the funding mechanism was faulty.

As for the airport, we all know they want it here in JC, but it does not prevent a partnership with CoMo and other on the Regional Airport. KC has MCI then MKC and Olathe to serve general aviation. Milwaukee has Mitchell International and Timmerman for general avaition. Chicago had Meigs Field until their CRIMINAL Mayor had it plowed under (in violation of Federal law). A Regional Airport Commission could manage both, provide better services and save tax dollars. But that is too forward thinking. "

boscoe wrote on Sep 3, 2009 2:25 PM:

" Jeff City leaders and state government fatcats LIKE having their own personal airport funded by the taxpayers. They don't want to have to fly with the rest of the sheep out of Comlumbia.

Besides, Jeffersonians HATE Columbians and would never partner with Columbia on anything. We want full control here, and partnering would involve giving up some control. It is way preferable for JC's fragile egos to be the big fish in a tiny pond, than to be a regular fish in the huge ocean. "

boscoe wrote on Sep 3, 2009 2:22 PM:

" Huge huge project that takes years to complete = lots of new jobs and lots of spending by high-wage highway workers. Naw--nothing that we want around here! "

TransplantFrom7 wrote on Sep 3, 2009 2:10 PM:

" boxergal " Great idea on the airport. "

True, but the trick is to open the closed minds of Columbia to see that it would be a PLUS for them too. The main runway needs to be lengthened to 10,000 feet. If that happened AND I-54 happened, that would be a boost to the region. Next step would be, and this would take a LONG time and a LOT of money, to turn US 63 into an Interstate spur down to I-54...call it I-370? (Odd numbers in front of the main route designation indicate spurs, even numbers are loops.) "

boxergal wrote on Sep 3, 2009 12:10 PM:

" Great idea on the airport. "

TransplantFrom7 wrote on Sep 3, 2009 11:41 AM:

" boxergal-You make several valid points. Yes, it would take years to have it come to fruition, but simply having the "Dashed-Lines" marking a future Interstate would help attract INDUSTRY.
This is about INDUSTRY, not retail, not commercial. Mom-&-Pop businesses don't compete with Industrial/manufacturing jobs, they just don't.
I agree on the airport. The answer is NOT to expand Jefferson City Memorial, but rather to get a buy-in from Columbia to turn Columbia Regional Airport into Mid-Missouri Regional.
Converting US 54 from Kingdom City to Jefferson City could happen quickly, the rest of it would take much more time.
Start the process, why wait? If you aren't growing, you are dying. That is a fact. "

boxergal wrote on Sep 3, 2009 11:22 AM:

" Your airport needs upgrading. Columbia got the regional designation on that also. You want major industry, you need a bigger airport. "

boxergal wrote on Sep 3, 2009 11:18 AM:

" to get to some of the business' in the Centertown area. I am all for expansion but not at my expense, thank you. Besides, the editor is right, this would be a HUGE, HUGE project and probably would take years to complete. "

boxergal wrote on Sep 3, 2009 11:16 AM:

" Transplant, you have it right. Why do you think Yellow Freight moved out of the area and into Columbia? But how much is this going to cost??? I can't imagine how long it would take to upgrade it. They are putting a fantastic four lane on route 5 into Lebanon and its taken forever just to put a mile in. You will be bringing in industry but you will also be hurting local mom and pop business'. What about places like Donita's catering out by Brazito?? I am sure that side road would be eliminated and only add to confusion. With the new four lane out towards California, there came a huge amount of re routing just... "

TransplantFrom7 wrote on Sep 3, 2009 10:05 AM:

" For those who think changing US 54 to I-54 will have NO IMPACT on business and industry in Jefferson City, you are lacking perspective.

Here is your PERSPECTIVE. Grab a national highway map. You will see the Interstate Highway System is the most prominant. You need to realize than every logisitics and transportation company in North America has had a map like this in their offices since the late 1960's. When a company is evaluating a location for expansion and they do not see an Interstate going through the community, they knock that city OFF the list early. FACT!

How many ghost towns were created by the railroads by passing them in the 1800's? "

online_editor wrote on Sep 3, 2009 9:05 AM:

" Rose: Just to clarify, a highway must meet certain standards, specific design criteria, before it can be designated as an Interstate. If a four-lane highway has at-grade crossings (rather than interchanges) or otherwise lacks limited access (has driveways), it wouldn't meet the standards. A few places along U.S. 54 from Jefferson City to I-70 (including the Kingdom City interchange) would need upgrading to qualify. Much of 54 from Jefferson City to the Lake would need a significant revamp because of all the driveways and dangerous crossings on that segment. There are a few notable exceptions to this rule, but generally, the highway folks follow design standards which won't allow them to merely slap a sign on a sub-standard four-lane and deem it an Interstate. "

Travelin_Rose wrote on Sep 3, 2009 8:48 AM:

" If I designate my home as a "mansion", it will be a mansion. Same idea with 54 as I-54. Leave it alone. As for being boxed in by the semis. Yes, it's happened to me on I-70. Boxed in and they were going 80 mph. Guess what? I was the ONLY one to get a ticket and was told by the Highway Patrol I had to go the speed limit. I explained I was boxed in and was told "That's no excuse!" Leave 54 alone. I avoid 70 every chance I get. "

qtpieblonde wrote on Sep 3, 2009 3:55 AM:

" boscoe, your original comment, its stupid. With an interstate comes more tourism and sales tax money, something that both Jefferson City and Holts Summit desperately need. Progress not needed, ok, give every kid out there the same history book YOU learned from and see what college they get scholorships. How many people do you know besides family that live outside of the Central MO area that say "Oh yipee, we're going to go to vacation in the capital city area of Missouri"? Heck half of the people in the state cant even name Jefferson City as the capital. The problem with that town is it wants to say in the 1950's but its a newer generation out there and they need something to do "

boscoe wrote on Sep 2, 2009 10:21 PM:

" We don't need no stinkin' progress around here. If you don't like it the way it is, then move. "

online_editor wrote on Sep 2, 2009 1:06 PM:

" Let's leave the personal attacks (a few of which I removed) aside and discuss issues from here forward, especially the story's topic of making 54 an Interstate-quality road. Thanks. --Rick Brown, online editor, News Tribune "

misshoneybee wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:58 PM:

" I have lived in Callaway County my whole life all but 6 years when I lived In Waynesville ('97 to '03). I grew up in Williamsburg, MO and moved here to HS in 2003. Callaway County is the 2nd or 3rd largest county in the state and I have ALWAYS loved it here. But I'm not sure who you know.

I know this, I sure would like our boxers to get 'together'. My hubby is wanting to get him fixed and I think he would make some mighty pretty puppies;) He's only 8 months old--he's just a BABY!

Oops, did we venture off topic? OOOO, too bad! "

boxergal wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:52 PM:

" PS - I was not living in the area (JC) until 73, so I didn't realize that about how the HS area started using JCPS. Interesting. "

boxergal wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:50 PM:

" Before I get accused of something...my husband used his log on and I sat down to post and used whatever was up. Some of those posts were mine. He hates JC as much as I do and he graduated from high school there. With that said, Ms. Honey.....I love talking to you because you understand. HS and the surrounding area has grown so much and has so many beautiful homes. You can go to Columbia in a snap. Its quiet and has low crime. I bet you know some of my family. Have you lived in the area long??? "

misshoneybee wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:47 PM:

" I'm not so sure about that, Mac--How's about letting Columbia reach JC and let THEM (Boone) give Cole a piece of their pie...That is , if Cole can pry the industry out of Boone's hands--LOL! Columbia is growing faster than a cat covering up poop, so just wait for Columbia's urban sprawl to appear over the horizon. It might take a few years but so what, JC has been stuck in CP time for years, so a few more years won't hurt 'em (Cole). "

Mac1974 wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:34 PM:

" Improved infrastructure is key to the expansion of industry in any town anywhere. You want to manufacture goods here... you need to be able to move them out. Attaching "interstate" to Hwy 54 would eventually lead to structural improvements. That's a no-brainer.

Here's something to think about. It may even be enough reason to level some of the historical property around the tri-level and rebuild that thing so it's more appropriate for automobiles than donkey-carts and rickshas.

Folks in Callaway.... listen.... anything good for JC is good for you. Believe that. Don't stand in the way of this. "

G.Willikers wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:31 PM:

" Misshoneybee - Unless you think JC is Utopia, then you are a basher according to some on here.

Really, it's just sad. I used to remember PLANNING to come to JC on a Friday night or over the weekend to do something. Now I think of reasons to AVOID coming to JC. Look at the mall as just one small example. There is very little entertainment in this town that I cannot find closer to home or in a city just as close. JC has slowly been going downhill for years and it's sad because it could be so much more. "

lurker wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:28 PM:

" Can I get a witness? "

misshoneybee wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:25 PM:

" Yes Boxergal, that school district situation really pi_ses me off. Yet it is VERY interesting how it came to be. As I said before, I believe most HS parents would not want their children to go to any other district but JCPS. I would think that if enough people in Callaway County and parents of NB R-III and SC R-II students would get organized and fight to put it to a vote again, NB and SC schools would not only benefit but JCPS overcrowding issue would be alleviated some. However, a large number of parents in Holts Summit probably weren't even born when the North school vote went down, so the JCPS way of life is likely ingrained in them;)! "

Mid-Mo wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:13 PM:

" Good for you Boxer, you are actually DOING something. If you don't like JC, that's fine. I really do not care. Most people who comment on here complain about how bad JC is and how it is a "pit" etc., yet when the leaders try to do anything at all, they gripe about that too. There is just no pleasing some people. If you want to live a pessimistic life, fine, but I choose the other path. "

misshoneybee wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:12 PM:

" Oops Jefferson! "

misshoneybee wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:12 PM:

" As far as I know, The only thing on our side of the bridge that Jeeferson City annexed is Cedar City which is now called 'North Jefferson City'...I will NEVER refer to it as that...It will always be CEDAR CITY to me. "

boxergal wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:10 PM:

" "I", sorry. "

boxergal wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:10 PM:

" No, I understand Mshoney. And sure didn't know all of that. "

boxergal wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:09 PM:

" mid mo - you obviously do not know me. I am writing Mr. Fritz as a usually do. "

Mid-Mo wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:09 PM:

" G.Willikers wrote on Sep 2, 2009 11:52 AM: " Mid-Mo ...stay with me here....this is a COMMENT BOARD that is provided by NT to allow people to COMMENT about the story. That is what we are doing. If you don't like it, don't read it, it's quite simple really. We are commenting about things related to the story, you are doing nothing but b*tching about other people's comments."

Ditto! "

misshoneybee wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:08 PM:

" And it was the JC school DISTRICT that did the annexing, not the city of Jefferson "

misshoneybee wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:07 PM:

" Let me make sure you understand me clearly, fishing01, Jefferson City annexed the SCHOOLS, not the city of Holts Summit. "

misshoneybee wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:06 PM:

" G. Willikers--I just reread my last comment--Have I just officially become a 'JC Basher'? LOL! "

fishing01 wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:05 PM:

" Thats very interesting about the annexing. The day they annex me into JC is the day we make a final move out of here. "

misshoneybee wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:02 PM:

" lurker--you're not the only one that deals with that I-70/Hwy 54 interchange. I grew up and went to school in that area and go through that interchange several times a week to go visit my family. I'm used to the traffic there--it doesn't bother me. I gotta get where I need to go, so I just drive. Kingdom City and Holts Summit have a common denominator. They are both in Callaway County not COLE. I thank GOD everyday that I don't live in the city limits of Holts Summit and I say an EXTRA prayer that I don't live in COLE county! I work there (Cole)and I ain't always happy about that. "

G.Willikers wrote on Sep 2, 2009 11:54 AM:

" JC is a pit, there is very little for the residents to do and almost nothing to draw tourists. Until the city "leaders" get a clue it will remain that way, with or without an I-54. "

G.Willikers wrote on Sep 2, 2009 11:52 AM:

" Mid-Mo ...stay with me here....this is a COMMENT BOARD that is provided by NT to allow people to COMMENT about the story. That is what we are doing. If you don't like it, don't read it, it's quite simple really. We are commenting about things related to the story, you are doing nothing but b*tching about other people's comments. "

lurker wrote on Sep 2, 2009 11:50 AM:

" Why don't some of you grumpy old Jefferson City codgers look outside your little, personal microcosm here. Perhaps you like encountering all of the truck traffic and stop lights at the I-70/ Hwy. 54 interchange in Kingdom City? Oh yeah, you don't have to deal with that because you're cozy in your private little Jeff City cradle of civilization here, where the milk and honey floweth abundantly. Take a drive up towards the Hannibal, Quincy Il. area and you'll see why this plan is gaining traction. "

misshoneybee wrote on Sep 2, 2009 11:17 AM:

" By the by, Mid-Mo, you mentioned that fishing01 could move far enough out so that they would be in Fulton or New Bloomfield school districts. Due to the annexation of North Elementary in 1967, that pretty much tossed NB in the toilet, although the ramifications of the annexation wasn't as relevant it is now. The whole area was a lot more rural than it is now and Old 54 (Summit Drive) was the highway then. Fewer kids, less money--that's NB's story. New Bloomfield is a very small school and does not come close to offering JCPS curriculum. As long as HS keeps pushing it's city limits northward, New Bloomfield will remain small and poor. "

misshoneybee wrote on Sep 2, 2009 11:02 AM:

" Fishing01--The schools in Holts Summit are annexed by the JCPS District, that is why the kids go to to JCPS. North Elementary went up to annexation vote in 1967 and it passed in June of the same year---397-1. I have yet to get all the details about Callaway Hills Elementary. I do know this, the only way that this school situation in Holts Summit can be changed is if enough people sign petitions to try to get it put up to a vote again. However, JCPS has such a stranglehold on so many Holts Summit parents that I'm sure many of them would vote against it. Bussing across the bridge has become a way of life. People don't like change. "

Mid-Mo wrote on Sep 2, 2009 11:01 AM:

" G & fishing: Stay with ME here...YOU'RE NOT DOING ANYTHING BY POSTING ON THE N.T. FORUM! You are not changing the world. You are preaching to a limited number of people who read the forums and they are all just like you, complainers who do nothing to change what they complain about except for post it for the other complainers to see so you can all pat each other on the back and feel enlightened and wise. Get over yourselves. I work in JC and have family and friends that live there. G, you said "THEIR city" but fishing already said he/she is not from JC and you obviously didn't read my post because I agreed with you about the I-54 idea. "

fishing01 wrote on Sep 2, 2009 10:54 AM:

" "to". "

fishing01 wrote on Sep 2, 2009 10:52 AM:

" I agree, if you have nothing to do with this, why do you care? I do have involvement. We moved to the area because we love the house. Finished up our son's education at JC but that was before JC had such terrible problems. G. Willikers "gets" it. It will be a total waste of money at the expense of surrounding communities. Believe it or not, we have fabulous people that represent us in Fulton (county seat). Mr. Fritz actually listens, as do others. We don't have council people that ignore what we want. And we certainly don't want JC's do dictate to us. "

G.Willikers wrote on Sep 2, 2009 10:48 AM:

" Mid-Mo ... stay with me here....designating Hwy 54 as I-54 will do NOTHING to help JC's economy. The road will not change one bit...except have fewer exits. It is up to....are you ready for this....THE CITY "LEADERS" to work to improve JC's economy. Changing the name of the highway that runs through it does NOTHING. "

G.Willikers wrote on Sep 2, 2009 10:47 AM:

" You don't live in JC, aren't from JC, don't like all the JC bashing, so why are YOU here reading the NT and the comments? It's called right to free speech. This town is a pit, the "leaders" refuse to see it and/or do anything to draw tourists, shoppers or travelers to this town. Why should we be quiet when JC could be SO MUCH more than it is? Do you think ignoring the situation and apathy are going to do anything? You're not from here or live here, yet you come here and complain about the people that complain about THEIR city. LOL...priceless!! "

fishing01 wrote on Sep 2, 2009 10:42 AM:

" Because (shock), it covers the HS area. I also read the Lake Sun Leader and The Fulton Sun. And because (get ready) I CAN. "

Mid-Mo wrote on Sep 2, 2009 10:16 AM:

" I'm not from J.C. and I don't live in J.C., I just get tired of all the J.C. bashing. If you don't like the town, and want NOTHING to do with it, why are you reading the News Tribune??? If it's that bad, why didn't you move far enough away to get out of the school district? New Bloomfield and Fulton both have schools. I agree with you, I wouldn't want 54 to be I-54, the airport is way too small, the Lake needs a major bypass and nobody want new taxes. Great! Now that that's established, J.C. has every right to try and improve their economy. "

fishing01 wrote on Sep 2, 2009 9:50 AM:

" And its not just the city llimits, its the county also. WE sent our son there and WE are tired of paying for it. "

fishing01 wrote on Sep 2, 2009 9:49 AM:

" YES, they do. We were so hoping that they would build a high school here so WE could pay for our own school, instead of that lousy excuse for one. LOUSY. "

misshoneybee wrote on Sep 2, 2009 9:40 AM:

" How much more does Jefferson City plan to take from Callaway County? They already have all the students that live in Holts Summit city limits! "

fishing01 wrote on Sep 2, 2009 9:22 AM:

" PS - WE will complain any time it involves my tax dollars. Matter of fact, I am getting ready to write Mr. Fritz. He can add our name onto a long list of people that don't want this. The people in Callaway live there for a reason. They are self sufficient and are tired of supporting your city. Have a good one, gotta run. "

misshoneybee wrote on Sep 2, 2009 9:21 AM:

" My friend Bill said, 'What part of Callaway County is gonna benefit from this? Cedar City?' "

fishing01 wrote on Sep 2, 2009 9:17 AM:

" is bad enough there. Da'Lake gets this obviously. So we have moved, we do go to Columbia, the lake and neighboring areas. Again, Callaway does not want to pay for JC's screw ups and desperation. How much clearer does this have to be???? I want NOTHING to do with that city. "

fishing01 wrote on Sep 2, 2009 9:16 AM:

" Again, my wife and I did move. To Callaway. WE LOVE it. I do not want to pay so JC can get their dream of industry. JC has been living in the dark ages for years. They should have built a bigger airport. They should have done a lot of other things but instead they thought they were so great that industry would beg to come here. Here is your subject....the highway turning into an interstate and JC's desperate attempt to help itself out of a hole. My wife and I moved and the only thing we use the highway or JC for is to pass over it to get to the lake. The traffic is.... "

Mid-Mo wrote on Sep 2, 2009 8:58 AM:

" Why digress? This forum is to discuss the topic at hand. This article is about the Chamber, Highway 54 and bringing business to the city. It's not about tourism. "

Mid-Mo wrote on Sep 2, 2009 8:53 AM:

" They're not claiming it is an interstate. They want to make it one. It would obviously need some work. As far as not having anything to do, to each his own. Jefferson City, as a whole, is obviously happy with the entertainment options in their city or they would do something about it. Honestly people, you're in a conservative town, what do you want? If you want a casino, drive to Boonville, if you want bars and a college atmosphere, drive to Columbia. If you want more bars, casino's and pro sports, drive to KC or STL. And at the sake of sounding inhospitable, if you don't like it here, move or do something about it already! This constant complaining is exhausting! "

fishing01 wrote on Sep 2, 2009 8:50 AM:

" I digress, it must have been the convention bureau's website. The one with the cheesy spaceship/capitol logo. Sorry. "

@da'lake wrote on Sep 2, 2009 8:36 AM:

" The only difference between Hwy 54 and I-54 is limited access....but yet the "whole area" will benefit? How on earth will changing 54 to I-54 benefit anyone. The only thing it'll do is encourage more trucks to run 54 than are on there already. Where is I-54 going to revert back to Hwy 54, because past Osage Beach/Camdenton area it is a pit. I've driven interstates and you sir, Hwy 54, are no interstate. :)

If JC cares about growing the pitiful town they need to start from WITHIN! Building a road to JC will NOT make people go unless there is something there to do. "

Mid-Mo wrote on Sep 2, 2009 8:33 AM:

" It's not the Chamber's job to promote tourism. Their job is economic development through business. "

fishing01 wrote on Sep 2, 2009 8:14 AM:

" Its pretty sad when a chamber has nothing to promote for tourism but a local dairy and a correctional facility. I noticed at one time that they had the HS winery on there as a place to visit in JC. Uh, don't think so, it belongs in Callaway. CLANK. "

fishing01 wrote on Sep 2, 2009 8:08 AM:

" You all did it to yourselves. NO, actually, I love to see cities thrive. But not when they are run incompetently. Again, you did it to yourselves, lie in it. JC will be a shell like DC where its good for nothing but working. "

jeffcitylocal wrote on Sep 2, 2009 8:01 AM:

" fishing01

I bet you salivate to see other people and communites fail. "

fishing01 wrote on Sep 2, 2009 7:48 AM:

" "Clank". Whats that sound?? The sound of JC folding up and dying. Lots of luck jeffcitylocal, you are going to need it. "

fishing01 wrote on Sep 2, 2009 7:47 AM:

" Trust me, NOTHING will hurt their revenue. I can only hope that it cuts down on visitors so we can get some peace and quiet. "

two_cents_worth wrote on Sep 2, 2009 7:42 AM:

" Will MODOT design the highway?

A tri-level in every city and 2 roundabouts at every intersection!

OK back to the subject...
It would be nice to have an interstate bypass the terrible and slow lake area traffic.
Though it'll sure hurt their revenue. "

fishing01 wrote on Sep 2, 2009 7:34 AM:

" Well, good luck to you, Callaway doesn't want it. "

jeffcitylocal wrote on Sep 2, 2009 6:46 AM:

" P.S. I support the designation and conversation of highway 54 to I-54. The whole Mid-Missouri region stands to benefit. What is good for Mid-Missouri is good for the state. "

jeffcitylocal wrote on Sep 2, 2009 6:43 AM:

" You guys are bunch old hens!

Yes, Im talking to you. The ones who always seem to have a comment about every article posted on here. You always manage steer the conversation from the core subject matter and strike out on your individual vendettas. Debate/comment on just the issues, stop making it personal, and be more open-minded. "

boxergal wrote on Sep 1, 2009 10:31 PM:

" (well, we got on the first portion that was done, there is a lot to be finished yet.) "

boxergal wrote on Sep 1, 2009 10:30 PM:

" They do box you in. We take 50 to KC, thats how much I hate it. But like I said, thats not my beef. I can't even imagine how you get confused with that Ronald McDonald design of the cloverleaf thing in JC. (kidding) I always took the Main street exit when I worked. Took me straight into work. Anyway, I am tired of footing the bill for things like this. By the way Boscoe, have you seen the new highway 5 to Lebanon from the lake??? When they get done, its going to be sooo nice. We got on it to go to Bennett Springs the other day from the lake. NICE. "

bluenurse wrote on Sep 1, 2009 9:52 PM:

" boxergal: I don't like the trucks on I-70 either, at least not the ones that try to box you in.
Especially if it's raning. When I come to JC, I'm always glad to get on 54 - much less traffic, but I guess that would change. One thing for sure, those of us from StL get confused by the exit ramps once you cross the bridge. They may have to do something about that.
Or maybe the St. Louis political junkies like me get confused easily:) "

boxergal wrote on Sep 1, 2009 9:25 PM:

" "attract", sorry. "

boxergal wrote on Sep 1, 2009 9:24 PM:

" These forums are a hoot. First I heard "if you don't like JC, move". Now its, "move away from the traffic". Trust me, if I could snap my fingers to get from point A to point B, I would. Poof, I am there. "

boxergal wrote on Sep 1, 2009 9:20 PM:

" Move away from the traffic??? OK. How am I suppose to get to the lake, fly??? Thats the least of my concerns. I don't want to support JC, thats why I moved. "

workingdad wrote on Sep 1, 2009 9:16 PM:

" I agree with mccrabb, there are several other options to boost "industry" in JC.

boxergal if you don't like driving next to big trucks, move away from the traffic. the only true difference between a 4 lane 54 and a I-54 is limited access. I agree the winery needs a exit from the north, have said that for 10 years now. There are not many full access exits in Callaway County, I count 5 from winery to I-70, but there are several from JC to the Lake that will need to be addressed. Callaway County will get off easy with MODOT engineers, Cole County will be expensive, I count 32 from 179 to the first Eldon Exit. "

boxergal wrote on Sep 1, 2009 8:06 PM:

" Ms.honey - some of the little side roads off of 54 will no longer be able to access the highway if it turns into an interstate. Also, I don't even take 70 if I can avoid it, thats how much I HATE driving with those big trucks. I don't relish the thought of traveling side by side with huge trucks when I go to the lake. No thanks. "

boxergal wrote on Sep 1, 2009 7:51 PM:

" Apparently there is a lot of opposition from residents, according to Lee Fritz. GOOD. And hopefully if it ever comes about it will be in the future. Hopefully I will be outa here by then. "

boxergal wrote on Sep 1, 2009 7:49 PM:

" What a load. I live in Callaway and sure do not want to spend more taxes so Jeff. City could get their "industry". They should have thought about this a long time ago. McCrabb is right, JC has NO major airport. You want to attrack major industry, get a bigger airport to begin with. Its bad enough we support JC public schools with our taxes. Holts Summit Winery NEEDS an exit coming from north to south. I am sure a lot of people from St. Louis would love to stop there but there is no exit. Like Pam Murray said, that will be left in the dust if they put an interstate in. "

mccrabb wrote on Sep 1, 2009 6:58 PM:

" Jefferson city along with Carson city the only two capitols that don't have a Interstate or major airport "

misshoneybee wrote on Sep 1, 2009 5:58 PM:

" How come you don't think so, Boscoe? Mo-DOT might cough up the bucks here. Nancy Lewis is a wonderful lady and I hope she will be behind this. She has done GREAT work at the Chamber of Commerce (Callaway County)! Of course, she can't get it accomplished by herself! Or do you reckon this is a bad idea? "

boscoe wrote on Sep 1, 2009 5:40 PM:

" Mo-DOT needs to spend the money in Kansas City, St. Louis, or Springfield. They aren't gonna spend it here! "

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