Missouri’s five-year highway construction program was approved July 1, 2010, by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, but it’s only one-third the size of the 2009 program.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) says the funding is barely enough in funds to take care of the existing system.

Missourians will see very few new projects during the next few years that expand the system and make it safer.

Stagnant state revenues, uncertain federal funding and no more money from Amendment 3 voter-required bonds is causing highway and bridge construction in Missouri to dramatically decrease – resulting in a program containing construction projects averaging only $500 million per year, according to MoDOT.

“We’ve known this grim situation was coming,” said Kevin Keith, Missouri Department of Transportation interim director. “It’s as if we’ve fallen off a cliff.”

To cope with this funding challenge, MoDOT has adopted a five-year direction to deliver commitments promised Missouri citizens. MoDOT will focus on keeping major highways in good condition, improving minor state roads and keeping pace with needed bridge repairs and maintenance.

“This five-year direction requires significant cost-saving strategies like reducing the number of MoDOT’s salaried employees and operating expenditures for mowing and equipment,” said Keith. “These measures are estimated to save more than $200 million that we’ll use to keep our roads and bridges in good condition.”

However, there are consequences to operating with insufficient funds. It means the department will not be able to address economic development opportunities, deliver corridor improvements or replace major bridges.