08.29.2008 11:10 am
Taking trucks off I-70
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
The Missouri Department of Transportation is considering separating large trucks from the rest of Interstate 70 traffic whenever it rebuilds the interstate. The department is hosting an “online meeting” on the issue at http://www.improvei70.org through Sept. 26. The website explains the concept with video clips and text, and allows the public to ask questions, make comments, and see questions and comments from others. Those who’d rather talk to live people about this will be able to on from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 9 in O’Fallon, Mo. The location: Wentzville-Middendorf-Kredell Library, 2750 Highway K.
THIS IS ABOUT THE BEST IDEA I’VE HEARD FROM ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY IN A LONG TIME!!!
Why are we bothering talking about further subsidies for the trucking industry? They can avoid gas taxes by fueling out of state and create the majority of roadway damage and congestion on the interstates. Have they earned their own special highway?!?! Instead, fund Amtrak to allow more than two trains daily, improve transit, and move MODOT into the future.
So, is this at the Wentzville branch (on Corporate Parkway) or Middendorf-Kredel (on Highway K)? I’m pretty sure I know the answer, but I figured that an edit to remove Wentzville from the branch name is in order.
I’m sorry, but as a newspaper, facts should really be checked a little better than that. Remember, Google is only 6 keystrokes and a mouse click away.
According to MoDOT, the meeting was at the Wentzville-Middendorf-Kredell Library at 2750 Highway K in O’Fallon. We’re just passing along the information. The press announcement is at http://www.modot.mo.gov/newsandinfo/District0News.shtml?action=displaySSI&newsId=21560.
Who benefits most from this? The trucking industry, one of the most heavily subsidized industries in the country. They cause exponentially more damage and congestion on roads than cars, yet the real cost of fuel and roads are borne by taxpayers via sales taxes, property taxes, and income taxes. Don’t believe this is being explored on behalf of taxpayers; it’s a giant gift to the trucking industry, funded by us.