Missouri Still Searching for Transportation Funding Answers

New leadership at the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is redoubling efforts to find new sources of revenue for the state's transportation funding deficit.

1 minute read

January 28, 2016, 1:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"The new director of the Missouri Department of Transportation continued his call to boost state transportation spending on Tuesday," reports Jack Suntrup in detailing the agenda of Missouri Transportation Director Patrick McKenna.

Suntrup quotes McKenna directly to describe the pressing funding needs of the state's transportation infrastructure:

'We'll be facing a virtual tidal wave of replacement needs as we go forward,' McKenna said. 'So getting further behind, or just treading water, is simply not good enough.'

The argument made by McKenna is the next chapter in a narrative that includes a failed attempt to raise revenue at the ballot box, when voters rejected a state sales tax in 2014. But, Suntrup notes, "[state] senators this year have so far moved fast on a bill that would raise the state's gas tax 1.5 cents for most motorists and 3.5 cents for diesel users."

Planetizen Correspondent Irvin Dawid noted the state's unintentional "fix-it-first" policy for transportation funding in July 2015, when MoDOT announced a five-year plan that lacked the funding to build new roads.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016 in St. Louis Post-Dispatch

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business

Large spinning swing ride at Chicago's Navy Pier.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip

Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

July 3 - Streetsblog Chicago

Aerial view of downtown San Antonio, Texas at night with rotating Tower of the Americas in foreground.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion

The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

July 3 - Governing