Establishes an administrative process for review by the Administrative Hearing Commission of items in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
Impact
The passage of HB 759 could significantly impact how transportation projects are approved and reviewed in Missouri. By introducing an avenue for official scrutiny through the Administrative Hearing Commission, the bill highlights the state's commitment to stakeholder involvement in decision-making processes regarding public infrastructure. This could potentially lead to more rigorous evaluations of transportation projects, ensuring that local needs and concerns are adequately considered in statewide planning.
Summary
House Bill 759 establishes a formal administrative process for review by the Administrative Hearing Commission of actions and decisions included in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). This bill is aimed at improving accountability and transparency in the state's transportation planning process by allowing various stakeholders, including members of the general assembly, county commissioners, and mayors, to contest actions or decisions they find unsatisfactory within the STIP. The review process necessitates filing a petition within thirty days following the publication of the annual STIP, which emphasizes promptness in addressing concerns regarding transportation projects.
Contention
While the bill aims to enhance accountability, it may also encounter opposition regarding the effectiveness of the proposed review process. Critics may argue that adding bureaucratic steps could slow down transportation project implementation and lead to unnecessary delays, impacting vital infrastructure development. Additionally, concerns might arise around the balance of power between state-level decision-making and local governance, with opponents suggesting that local governments should have greater influence over decisions affecting their communities.
Requires the department of transportation to prioritize federal priority corridors in the statewide transportation improvement program (STIP) and requires any changes to the STIP to be approved by the joint committee on administrative rules