Lipke again pushes bill prompted by Highway 34-72 plan

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The downside of sponsoring a simple, non controversial bill is that other lawmakers like to attach their own proposals to measures that appear likely to pass.

As state Rep. Scott Lipke, R-Jackson, learned last year, sometimes a bill becomes so popular that it develops a fatal flaw.

In again pushing legislation aimed at ensuring Jackson residents affected by the redesign of Highway 34-72 get fair treatment from the Missouri Department of Transportation, Lipke is hopeful the bill will avoid turning into the "monstrosity" that prompted a gubernatorial veto last year.

"The good news is it's coming out early so people aren't yet panicking and trying to attach things on my bill," Lipke said.

Lipke's bill has already cleared a House committee.

The proposal would require MoDOT to financially compensate property owners for loss of road access when it uses the power of eminent domain to acquire land needed for road projects.

Since the first phase of the Highway 34-72 project is under way, the bill would come too late for some affected property owners if it becomes law this year. But it could prove useful to those still in negotiations with MoDOT.

The project will convert Jackson's main thoroughfare into a divided four-lane road with limited points for left turns. Lipke's bill specifies that loss of access includes changes that prevent direct turns into affected homes or businesses.

MoDOT opposes the bill. Department officials say the access issue is already taken into account in eminent domain proceedings.

Paid the price

Last year, Lipke's straightforward, two-page bill was transformed into a 180-page omnibus traffic regulations measure by the Senate. Gov. Bob Holden vetoed it because of a provision that would have provided a sales tax exemption to MoDOT contractors, costing the state $10.6 million in lost revenue.

State Sen. Jon Dolan, who as Senate Transportation Committee chairman was the one who loaded up Lipke's measure last year, said the provision that prompted the veto will be kept off this year. However, Dolan said the eminent domain issue will likely be lumped with other proposals related to MoDOT.

"I'll put it on something. It's a good bill," said Dolan, R-Lake St. Louis.

The bill is HB 803.

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