LETTERS: PLANNING TRANSPORTATION

To the editor:

Your recent article, "Transportation panel's purpose questioned," presented an opportunity for Missouri Total Transportation Commission members like myself to clarify our mission and objectives.

First, I'd like to thank every citizen, government official and transportation group representative for attending our public forum at the Drury Lodge in Cape Girardeau. The forum was well-attended and produced many useful suggestions and insights. One of seven to occur throughout the state, the forums are designed to garner the widest possible view of Missouri's transportation needs today and into the future.

To reiterate, the Total Transportation Commission is a 35-member organization created by Gov. Mel Carnahan to evaluate all of Missouri's current transportation resources and future needs. Through public input, research of other states and countries and new technology evaluations, the commission will determine the best total transportation strategy for Missouri's future. The commission will also explore funding sources and develop a financial proposal to implement the program. A final recommendation will be made to the governor early in 1997.

Among the questions raised at the forum was the role that the Total Transportation Commission plays in relationship to the Highway and Transportation Commission and other agencies who develop and operate Missouri's various modes of transportation. The commission in no way competes with or takes away leverage from the Highway and Transportation Commission. Rather, it supports and enhances that group's efforts by providing a highly focused panel to address a specific and very important issue: Missouri's transportation future.

A comprehensive plan for total transportation will strengthen Missouri's economic base and provide efficient, needed and environmentally sound means of travel for all citizens and commercial users. Without this plan, the state's economy and our citizens' quality of life may suffer. We are all working together to prepare Missouri for transportation needs into the 21st century.

STEVE BRADFORD, Co-chairman

Missouri Total Transportation Commission

Hayti