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As we welcome in 2008, it is
with excitement to know that the new year
brings with it a new asset to our community.
In December, the Missouri Department of Transportation
held a ribbon cutting, officially opening
the newly constructed Route 367. This project,
completed 6 months ahead of schedule was $25
million under budget. It transformed Route
367 (north of I-270) to an uninterrupted freeway
from I-270 to Jamestown Rd. and converted
Lusher and Benham to one-way outer roads.
These improvements, will not only provide
improved safety and access for daily travelers,
but will also bring more businesses to this
corridor. Many times economic investment follows
transportation improvements in a community.
Many of North County Inc. Board
members and our Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee members were actively involved with
this corridor improvement project for years,
advocating its prioritization, funding, planning
and advancement. It has been an impressive
process, with leadership at all levels working
together to the advantage of the community.
From Senator Tim Green, the late St. Louis
County Executive Buzz Westfall and current
County Executive Charlie Dooley, County Council
Mike O'Mara, as well as Old Jamestown Assoc.
and the Spanish Lake Community Assoc. and
the Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce,
MCU and many others. MoDOT's District Engineer
Ed Hassinger and Area Manager Bill Schnell
are to be commended for keeping the public
involved in the process from start to finish.
The public engagement process used on this
project proved so successful that MoDOT is
now applying the process to other projects
throughout the State. Being a part of this
important project and serving on the Community
Advisory Group for an area improvement, which
has the potential to make such a huge difference
in our area was extremely educational and
rewarding.
The NCI Board of Directors thanks
all of the many community leaders and MoDOT
workers for their hard work to bring this
critical improvement to North County.
Rebecca Zoll
Executive Director, North County Inc.
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