Jackson's LED streetlight project derailed by state budget cuts

State budget cuts have left the Missouri Department of Transportation unable to continue with a project that would have installed LED lighting along a stretch of East Jackson Boulevard in Jackson.

The Missouri Moves Cost Share Program was scheduled to use a $20 million budget to help local agencies invest in transportation projects, beginning in fiscal year 2017 that starts Oct. 1.

Instead, Gov. Jay Nixon announced more than $59 million in spending restrictions after last week's veto session.

Nixon said the cuts were necessary to balance the budget after lawmakers overrode several of the governor's vetoes to enact a variety of tax cuts.

"When [legislators] decide to spend money on tax breaks, that money has to come from other places," Nixon said in a statement.

The cuts came from a variety of new and existing programs, of which the Missouri Moves Cost Share Program was the largest.

The city's grant application was for new LED lighting between Interstate 55 and the area just before K Land Drive.

The city's contribution of $375,000 was to be local instead of federal money, the project already was designed, and the outcome would have increased safety on a state-maintained roadway -- all of which Jackson public-works director Rodney Bollinger cited as why the project was especially attractive to MoDOT.

The Missouri Moves program is not the same MoDOT cost-share program being used to construct the roundabout in uptown Jackson.

A statement issued by MoDOT said Missouri Moves had received proposals from 101 applicants requesting more than $71 million. The program would not have been able to provide grants to all applicants, but MoDOT said the demand indicated a serious need for infrastructure spending.

"The overwhelming response by applicants demonstrates the need for a sustainable funding solution for transportation in Missouri," the statement said.

tgraef@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3627