STATE HIGHWAY OFFICIALS SUITED TO CONDUCT STUDY

The Missouri Highway and Transportation Department has made a bid to become the lead agency in exploring the feasibility of a new transcontinental highway that would run through this region, the so-called Interstate 66. There will be much work to do and many questions to answer before federal highway officials learn whether this dream can become a reality. Without belittling the highway officials of other states, we feel comfortable with putting the responsibility in the hands of Missourians.

Congress last year placed $1.25 million in the federal budget to study the feasibility of this project. Given the fiscal prudence that was supposed to be part of that deliberation, and given that federal highway programs will be an item of major interest during the current congressional session, we had our doubts money for such a project was well-placed in that document. Still, funding has been made available and one state will be charged with leading in the study: Missouri is a good choice.

Wayne Muri, chief engineer for the Missouri department, has a working knowledge of the project and a favorable reputation among federal highway officials; his oversight would be valuable to the effort. His department understands the infrastructure needs of southern Missouri, where the Highway 60 project, a much-needed four-lane spanning the lower reaches of the state, is progressing. Two of Missouri's congressmen, Bill Emerson of Cape Girardeau and Mel Hancock of Springfield, sit on the House public works panel that will fashion the next highway bill; they will take a special interest in the project.

While there are many aspects to a project that involves a dozen states, literally many twists and turns of discovery across the mountains and flatlands of the route, the feasibility study must aim primarily at answering two questions: Does the country need it, and can the country afford it? The I-66 supporters have argued a case compelling enough to get congressional interest. Whether the matter can be adapted to a national priority remains another matter.

We believe Missouri officials are capable of giving the matter a fair hearing and thorough study, and should be named the lead agency.