STATE REP PLANS 225-MILE WALK TO DELIVER PETITION

JACKSON, Mo. -- A state representative plans to walk the 255 miles from Jackson to Jefferson City to deliver a petition demanding the Missouri Highway Commission finish nine road projects.

Rep. Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, also wants state lawmakers to oppose any new taxes until the commission is reorganized.

The announcement came late Friday in an e-mailed press release. Jetton was unavailable for comment, but his release included reasons for walking instead of using a modern mode of transportation.

It read: "First, I hope it will draw attention to our state's transportation problem. Second, I'll get a first-hand look at the traffic congestion along with the condition of our roads between my district and Jefferson City. Third, it will allow me to discuss our transportation problems and the solutions with the very folks who are driving on these roads every day."

He cited "highways 67, 60, 34, 72, 160, 412, 63, 21 and 8" as the promised projects that remain incomplete.

S. Lee Kling, a St. Louis Democrat who chairs the highway commission, said he couldn't comment on specific projects without doing some research. He added that transportation funding is tight.

"Everybody can want everything completed, but there isn't enough money to do all those things," he said.

As for reorganizing the commission, Kling said the body operates very well as it is.

"We have dedicated, hardworking people who represent the whole state and don't become parochial about their own areas," he said. "I can't imagine what anybody would want to do differently."

Kling's term with the bipartisan, six-member commission is up in October.

Jetton's journey begins July 18 and ends July 27. Scheduled stops will include Marble Hill, Silva, Fredericktown, Farmington, Park Hills, Potosi, Steelville, Cuba, St. James, Rolla, Vienna, Freeburg and Westphalia.

A former Marine and the son of a Baptist preacher, Jetton plans to rest on Sunday, July 22. He will have to walk just over 28 miles on each of the other days to reach his goal.