Your Opinion: Transportation tax views 5

Dear Editor:

While no one wants taxes, unfortunately, MoDOT funds are declining due to the increased price of construction and the declining revenue from the fuel tax. Due to this gap in funding, MoDOT will struggle to maintain existing infrastructure in the very near future and have stopped adding projects to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program and have shut down the cost-share program to partner with local municipalities.

We have an opportunity in front of us to fix the transportation funding crisis. A vote yes will ensure that MoDOT can maintain the current infrastructure as well as continue to improve our system. This will mean new jobs for those in the construction industry. A better transportation system also increases the retention of existing businesses and attraction of new companies to the state, which leads to more new jobs.

The Jefferson City area will especially benefit from the proposed taxes. Take a minute to check out the project list on MoDOT's website. These projects will increase the quality of life for local travelers as well as making Jefferson City a more attractive area for businesses. The list includes improvements to U.S. 50, both to the east, bypassing Linn, and the west, additional lanes and a route around Tipton, allowing for another alternative to I-70. For those that prefer I-70, it will be improved by adding a third lane in each direction for the current two-lane portion. The connector from US-63 to I-70 will also be improved so that you can avoid the large queue that currently develops at the signals. In the Jefferson City area, a third lane is proposed in each direction along the Whitton Expressway. A third lane will also be added north of the Missouri River bridge in an effort to reduce congestion in the evenings.

Two major travel ways south of town will also be improved. U.S. 63 will be realigned with a shared three-lane road from U.S. 50 to south of Freeburg. Route B will be improved with added shoulders and rubble stripes to improve safety. In addition to those specific projects, many deteriorating bridges will be replaced.

Finally, the sales tax projects will free-up current funds to allow for better maintenance of the roads in rural Missouri.

Please vote yes on Amendment 7. This is one of the few good investments of your tax money and it will have a very positive effect on Mid-Missourians.