By Greg Grisolano
ggrisolano@joplinglobe.com
A comprehensive plan designed to preserve, protect and promote Missouri’s portion of historic Route 66 highlighted Thursday’s meeting of the Joplin Area Transportation Study Organization at Joplin City Hall.
“We think we’re working on the most unique road in the state,” said Jeranystet Jackson, project manager for Great River Associates of Springfield, a transportation consulting firm that was hired last year by the Route 66 Association of Missouri to put together a plan for the famed roadway.
Jackson said the plan is expected to be completed by July. At that point, Great River will apply for National Scenic Byway status, a designation that would make Missouri’s portion of Route 66 eligible for federal grants. About $40 million in federal funding was handed out in 2009 for scenic byways, but Missouri did not collect any of those funds, Jackson said.
The management plan includes coordinating with all 10 counties in Missouri through which the historic highway passed, as well as improving signs along the road in certain areas. The plan also features a “kid-friendly Mo Kicks” cartoon character to market toward children.
The management plan does not carry any regulatory authority. Jackson said it’s intended to be a tool to initiate action for beautification and economic development.
In other business, the board:
n Received an update from Paul Teverow, a member of the Joplin Trails Coalition, about a project the organization has undertaken to identify and assign priority to bicycle and pedestrian trails in Joplin. Teverow said the list is designed to outline priorities in the event that funds are allocated to make trail improvements.
n Directed representatives from the Missouri Department of Transportation to review traffic patterns at Route D south of Oronogo, and on West 32nd and West 20th streets in Joplin.
Next meeting
The next meeting of the Joplin Area Transportation Study Organization will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 27, in the basement conference room at City Hall. The board meets bimonthly.
