Chamber, city back MoDOT sales tax issue

The Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Eric Struemph voiced their support Wednesday at a Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission meeting for a bill in the Legislature that would increase state sales tax by three-quarters of a cent to fund transportation.

The increase is expected to bring MoDOT nearly $550 million in yearly revenue.

The bill passed the House, 105-43, later Wednesday afternoon and now will be on November's ballot for the approval of voters.

Bob Gilbert, president of the chamber, stressed the importance of the chamber's partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), Jefferson City and Cole County.

At the commission meeting, he touted the New St. Mary's project involving the creation of Mission Drive on Missouri 179.

"It shows how the chamber, city and county partnership works for our economy," Gilbert said.

Struemph told the commission that transportation is essential in growing local economies, as well as the state economy.

"I hope the Legislature will give voters the option," he said Wednesday morning. "Jefferson City stands to accomplish more projects if this sales tax is passed."

MoDOT Director Dave Nichols said it's important for the department to have long-term transportation funding, which the bill would bring.

He said that without long-term funding, MoDOT isn't able to plan projects like it should.