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Mo. Senate opts for highway study over I-70 toll road debate

Interstate 70 near the exit to Providence Road in Columbia, Mo.
(via Flickr/KOMUnews)
Interstate 70 near the exit to Providence Road in Columbia, Mo.

It appears unlikely that Missouri lawmakers will pass any legislation this year that would turn Interstate Highway 70 into a toll road.

Senate Transportation Chairman Bill Stouffer (R, Napton) says the proposal has gotten a lot of negative feedback.

“We had excellent hearings this year, but it became very clear that until we raise the awareness of the public and the need in the public that we would be spinning our wheels to move any further," Stouffer said.

Instead, the Missouri Senate today unanimously adopted a resolution to create a special committee to study the state’s transportation infrastructure needs.  The committee would hold meetings, take public comments, and present its findings to lawmakers next year.  The measure now goes before the Missouri House, which has until May 18th to approve it. 

Marshal was a political reporter for St. Louis Public Radio until 2018.