MoDOT, SMCOG, and OTO each have a JRF Extension Study on Unfunded Needs Lists

…and a few questions to keep in mind at tomorrow’s meeting

Here is a link to MoM’s earlier article about the effort to eventually extend James River Freeway through northern and western Greene County, an effort currently in the pre-study phase. Funding for a transportation study was included in Missouri’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget before being removed in May at the last minute.

Below are links to the unfunded needs lists of MoDOT, SMCOG, and OTO, indicating a desire for the study of a James River Freeway North Loop around Willard and over to Highway 65.

Further below you’ll find a few questions for attendees to keep in mind at the public meeting regarding transportation studies and planning in northwestern Greene County scheduled for Thursday, August 8 at 7 p.m. at the Willard First Baptist Church, 202 W Jackson Street in Willard.

Ozarks Transportation Organization

Ozarks Transportation Organization (OTO) — Board of Directors — May 2024 meeting agenda - Tab 5, page 91 - linked here.

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Southwest Missouri Council of Governments

Southwest Missouri Council of Governments (SMCOG) — Transportation Needs List — 2024 - page 1 - linked here.

Missouri Department of Transportation

MoDOT’s High Priority Unfunded Needs List - July 2024 - page 10 (11) - linked here. Per anonymous emails, the $1.5 million transportation study was attached to Route WW. The sender stated they “do not think WW is an indication of alignment but MoDOT just had to attach it to a road.” Each of the dollar amounts shown are multiplied by $1000.

A FEW QUESTIONS TO KEEP IN MIND

If no serious consideration has been given to pursuing a James River Freeway extension through northern and western Greene County, then —

Why are OTO, SMCOG, and MoDOT requesting funding for a transportation study?

Why did $1.5 million for a transportation study nearly become part of Missouri’s 2025 budget?

Why does the Greene County Commission desire to update the county’s land use plan to include a James River North Loop?

Addendum

In a KY3 interview on August 7, Commissioner MacLachlan refers to “misinformation”. You can read that article here.