Requirement For Minority Contractors Delays MoDot Project

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

A Springfield transportation project has been delayed because local contractors can't find enough minorities to fulfill a federal mandate.

It's a controversial federal requirement that is holding up work on a new regional transportation center and frustrating local contractors.

According to federal law, women or ethnic minority contractors must make up 10 percent of any project that involves federal dollars. The minority businesses are referred to as "Disadvantaged Business Enterprises," or DBE's -- and the provision is creating some problems for a new $2.2 million dollar City of Springfield/Missouri Department of Transportation Management Center slated to be build on West Chestnut Expressway. (Read more about DBE's HERE).

But some contractors view this mandate as an affirmative action program that just isn't practical in Springfield.

Right now, engineers use a cramped space in downtown Springfield to monitor roadways and coordinate signals to keep traffic flowing. Officials want to build a bigger, upgraded facility. But the initial round of bids to perform the work have been rejected.

"Of the ten bidders, none of them were able to meet that goal, so we're going to go out and solicit for another set of bids," said Kirk Juranas, District Engineer for MoDOT.

Wehr Construction won the initial bid that was thrown out. The company declined comment on the matter because it plans to re-bid for the contract and did not want to offend the city or MoDOT.

Dewitt & Associates was one of the low bid contractors for the project, which includes paving, electrical work and supplying materials.

President Emeritus Jerry Hackleman said it's difficult to find minority subcontractors to make up even five percent of the work, let alone ten percent.

"In order to get some of the firms that we would need to meet their 10 percent goal, we're going to have to go to St. Louis and Kansas City, which is taking away work from local contractors," explained Hackleman.

"I think there's minority contractors available within our state and neighboring states that certainly would be happy to bid on this work if pursued," said Juranas.

But most aren't in the surrounding Springfield metro area.

"I can't just focus on Springfield," said Juranas. "I have to focus on a whole contracting community."

In fact, Hackleman said of the list of around 1300 statewide approved minority contractors, just a little more than a dozen are within 100 miles of Springfield.

"There was one minority electrician that placed a bid, but he was about $40,000 higher," said Hackleman, who noted that pursuing minority contractors could push up the overall cost of the project.

He said the provision makes it harder to compete in a hyper-competitive construction market that rewards the lowest bid with the work.

Continue reading this story at KY3.com.

Nixon Open To Expanding Texting Ban

On the day that a new law goes into effect banning texting while driving for those 21 and under, Governor Jay Nixon said he'd be open to expanding the ban further in the future.

"A year from now we'll have very significant data as to whether or not this has helped make our roads safer. If we do, then presenting to these policy leaders behind me the opportunity to expand this, is something we'd look at," Nixon said at a news conference in Springfield Friday.

*WATCH FULL CLIP ABOVE*

The new law prohibits anyone 21 and under from sending, reading or writing text messages while driving on Missouri roads. Violators can be punished with up to a $200 fine and adding 2 points to the driver's license.

Right now 18 states have complete bans on texting for all drivers.

Seven states ban talking on cell phones while driving.

Nixon cited a recent study that says the risk of a crash or near crash increases by more than 23 times when a driver is sending a text message.

Springfield Wins $1.4 Million in Stimulus Money

President Obama's administration announced Tuesday that the city of Springfield will receive $1.4 million dollars of economic stimulus money to build a new maintenance facility.

"Rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure is a key part of that prescription for strength. It creates jobs today and builds a better, more sustainable economy moving forward," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The White House release said the city would use the funds for "the design and construction of a maintenance facility."

According to the White House, since it was signed into law, the stimulus has provided $6.7 billion dollars for transit improvements throughout the nation. A total of $48 billion dollars has been designated for transportation projects and about $26.5 billion has been obligated, according to the White House.

"These funds are creating jobs now while investing in the future of our transit systems," said Administrator Peter Rogoff of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). "The public's demand for transit service continues to grow, and these dollars will help meet that need."

For more on the stimulus money Springfield is receiving, click HERE.

Countdown for Clunkers

KER-CLUNK!

The Obama administration is planning to end the "cash for clunkers" program Monday evening.

Two congressional officials familiar with the plan say the Transportation Department will wind down the program that offers car buyers rebates of up to $4,500 for trading in older vehicles for new, more fuel-efficient models.

The program will halt Monday at 8 p.m -- one month after it began.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

"It's been a thrill to be part of the best economic news story in America," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement. "Now we are working toward an orderly wind-down of this very popular program."

Nixon Vetoes Helmet Repeal

Gov. Jay Nixon today vetoed legislation that would have repealed Missouri’s helmet law for motorcycle riders.

In a statement, the Governor cited two primary concerns: the significantly increased health care costs that could have resulted from the repeal, and the safety of Missouri’s motorcycle riders.

“In terms of lives and of dollars, the cost of repealing Missouri’s helmet law simply would have been too high,” Gov. Nixon said. “By keeping Missouri’s helmet law intact, we will save numerous lives, while also saving Missouri taxpayers millions of dollars in increased health care costs. Keeping our helmet law in place was the safe and cost-effective choice for Missouri.”

WATCH Marie Saavedra's KY3 News @ 6 piece HERE

Other reaction:

"St. John's is elated the Governor vetoed the repeal of the helmet law. As the region's Level I trauma center we know this will save lives and save costs," said spokeswoman Cora Scott of St. John's Hospital.

"I will be working against him in any election he will ever run in and will closely watch everything he does and says from now on," said Dean Gunter of Freedom of Road Riders who claims the Governor personally promised him he would sign the repeal if it was sent to him "clean."

WH: Missouri Has Tapped 72% of Highway Stimulus

BIDEN: MO STIMULUS ON TRACK

The White House announced Thursday that Missouri has already put to work 72 percent of its stimulus dollars for highway projects.

That amounts to about $320 million dollars. Under the stimulus law, states are required to use 50 percent of their highway funds by June 29, 2009.

"By delivering on these projects ahead of schedule and under-budget, we have been able to do even more than we expected -- create more job opportunities more quickly," said Vice President Joe Biden in a statement.

"Every state not only met the 12o-day deadline, they beat it," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "This is a testament to the fact that we're putting money out there and quickly helping to get the economy back on track."

Missouri's largest stimulus project is the New Madrid-Pemiscot I-55, a 44-mile long pavement of north and southbound lanes.

Bond: Obama Transportation Budget Lacks Detail

Sen. Kit Bond is accusing the Obama administration of failing to provide important details in its transportation budget.

"The budget we have before us for the Department lacks a lot of very important details.” Bond told Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, according to a release. "We all know the devil is in the details, but these are big details with major policy implications and we are running out of time to get answers from your Department," Bond said.

Bond said the budget contains "no policy recommendations" for major highway programs, at a time when the Federal Highway Trust Fund is going bankrupt. Bond suggested that it might be appropriate for the president's budget to include a footnote that says: "we don’t know how to pay for highways."

Bond is calling on LaHood to begin quickly discussing temporary solutions to the expected shortfall. He also took aim at Obama for his devotion to high speed rail at a time when highway's are in serious danger.

In his statement, Bond warned: "high speed rail does not offer a quick or simple solution to relieving congestion on our nation’s highways and airways. High speed rail projects are costly, risky, take years to develop and build and require substantial up-front public investment as well as potentially long-term operating subsidies."

VIDEO: Blunt's Scooter Accident

RAW VIDEO of Gov. Matt Blunt's vehicle accident in central Springfield tonight.

More details . . . Tonight on KY3 News @ 10.

*Check ky3.com for more information*

UPDATE: The driver of the scooter is the son of Kellie Freeman Rohrbaugh, formerly of Planned Parenthood and currently a Missouri Democratic Party staffer. Rohrbaugh phoned The Notebook from Denver to say that her son is being evaluated for X-rays. "They're looking at his injuries. It does look like he's going to be ok," said Rohrbaugh, who says her parents and husband have joined her son at the hospital.

BELOW: Lt. Kevin Grizzell explains how it happened

"I think he just didn't see him coming"

PLUS: MORE IRONY: A Springfield policeman also unintentionally weighs into the helmet debate:

"Motorcycles and scooters need to be very careful. We recommend everybody wears a helmet. It's too easy not to be seen and end up suffering a head injury or worse if the vehicles don't see you," said Lt. Grizzell.

"It's like playing roulette. I'd recommend wear a helmet all the time."

AND: IS GOV. NIXON INFLUENCED BY AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING HIS FORMER RIVAL AS HE WEIGHS HIS DECISION ON A HELMET LAW REPEAL?

Lower Bids Pave Construction Savings For MoDOT

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Despite all of its pending funding problems, this rough economy has meant a slice of good news for Missouri's transportation department (MoDOT): Some big area projects are coming in cheaper than expected.

Missouri has had two big recent waves of transportation funding: Amendment 3 money approved by voters in 2004 and most recently -- stimulus money. All this work has attracted more contractors than usual, which ends up pushing down the price.

Road Rider Stands By Helmet Story

A Freedom of the Road Rider stands by his story that Gov. Jay Nixon promised to sign a repeal of the motorcycle helmet law -- despite the Governor's recent denial that he made any commitments to anybody.

***

Motorcycle rider Dean Gunter contacted The Notebook Tuesday after watching Nixon's denial of any pledge HERE.

Gunter previously told the Associated Press that Nixon personally told him he would sign the bill. Per our request, Gunter detailed his brief exchange with the Governor, which he says occurred at the State Capitol on April 8th.

"I watched your interview several times and I noticed you specifically asked about groups, but the second time he answered, he said 'anybody.' To me that meant he never told me that," Gunter said.

"Here is what happened. It was on Tuesday, April 8th. (Nixon) was addressing an older group seated in the rotunda of the Capitol. As he stepped off the podium, a couple of people shook his hand and talked for a bit. Then, it was my turn. Now, when I walked to him and his two patrolmen, I introduced myself and mentioned Martha Hicks," said Gunter, explaining that she's a friend and a member of the Silver Haired Legislature.

"(Nixon) smiled and said how great of a lady she was. I then told him I had been working with the groups and individuals who ride to get Senate Bill 202 passed. His expression changed and he said sharply, and I quote: 'I told them I would sign it, if they leave it clean I will sign it,' unquote. I thanked him, shook his hand and two other men were standing there to talk to him went next. I then left him, and went to visit a few legislators to thank them," Gunter recalled.

"I told everyone what he had just told me. That's it," Gunter said.

Again, you can watch Nixon's denial of any commitment "to anybody" HERE.

The Governor has said he's "truly undecided" about what to do.

Gunter said he would like to "confront" the Governor about his explanation.

Shields Tells Rahn To Butt Out Of Helmet Debate

Senate Majority Leader Charlie Shields said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn overstepped his bounds in calling for Governor Jay Nixon to veto legislation that would repeal the state's motorcycle helmet law.

***

"The last time I checked, laws are written by the people’s elected representatives to the state House and Senate, and the governor then has the power to approve or veto the laws they pass that represent the will of the people," Sen. Shields said, in a stern statement released Friday. "I am alarmed that an appointed bureaucrat would use taxpayer money to pay for polling and then hold a press conference while on the clock to oppose a specific piece of legislation."

Yesterday, Rahn called on Governor Nixon to veto a repeal the legislation, which he said "makes no sense," and would lead to more motorcycle deaths.

Senate Bill 202 would exempt anyone over the age of 21 from wearing a helmet while driving or riding a motorcycle, except when on an interstate.

Shields said Rahn should stick to his number one priority: Missouri's transportation infrastructure.

"I appreciate that Pete has taken us from a sub-par state to one that is now recognized for smoother, better roads," Shields said. "That is why I encourage him to refocus his efforts on continuing to build and improve Missouri's roads, bridges and transportation infrastructure, because this is the second instance this year where he has veered off-track by misusing taxpayer dollars in an effort to lobby elected officials," Shields added.

Shields is referring to media reports that Rahn had MODOT employees lobbying for stricter seatbelt laws earlier this legislative session.

Nixon has not said whether he will sign or veto the bill.

MoDOT to Nixon: Veto Helmet Law Repeal

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri Transportation Director Pete Rahn says legislation repealing the state's motorcycle helmet law for adults "makes no sense" and that Gov. Jay Nixon should veto it.

Lawmakers during their annual session that ended last week approved a bill that would lift the helmet requirement for those who are at least 21 years old and not traveling on interstate highways.

Rahn on Wednesday denounced the bill in front of the emergency room of a Jefferson City hospital along with two doctors and a motorcyclist who says he survived a 2006 accident because of his helmet.

A spokesman for Nixon said the governor plans to review the legislation.

Supporters of repealing the helmet law contend motorcyclists should be allowed to decide for themselves whether to wear helmets.

For more of our coverage on the helmet law debate, click HERE.

Helmet Law Repeal Heads to Nixon

Legislation that would repeal much of Missouri's motorcycle helmet law is on its way to Governor Jay Nixon.

This is legislation that's repeatedly been debated, but hasn't gotten this far since 1999. But even some who believe motorcyclists should have the right to choose, aren't sure that 21 is the right age to begin allowing them to do it.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

A spokesman for Governor Nixon has not said whether he will sign the bill into law.

Nixon Appoints Carmichael to Highway Commission

Governor Jay Nixon talks to The Notebook about why he appointed former Democratic Party Chairman and Springfield attorney Joe Carmichael to the Highway Commission.

Jim Anderson's term will soon expire; Carmichael will serve a 6-year term to expire in March 2015.

ALSO: Nixon says talks about how to solve the state's looming road funding crunch have "slowed just a tad" because of the federal stimulus package that will provide $600 million dollars over the next year.

VIDEO: Bond Touts Housing Money But Slams Sin City "Pork" In Stimulus Bill

"That's Totally Wrong"

In downtown Springfield Wednesday, Sen. Kit Bond touted $2 billion dollars for low income housing that's included in the giant economic stimulus bill -- a bill he voted against.

During a press conference Wednesday in Springfield, I posed this question to Senator Bond: If the Republicans had their way, wouldn't the money for low income housing not be available to Missourians?

***WATCH HIS ANSWER ABOVE***

Officials estimate Missouri could see around $50 million for low-income housing that could create 1,000 new units and 3,000 new jobs over the next 12 months.

Sen. Bond also trashed the stimulus bill for including money for a high-speed rail track on the West Coast.

"If you get on the conference committee with me, I'll debate that with you," Bond said, when asked for a reason why high-speed rail isn't a reasonable project to include.

"There isn't going to be any shovel on the Sin City train for some time," Bond added.

Says Missouri road projects aren't considered "pork" because they are "shovel-ready," as opposed to the Las Vegas to Los Angeles rail project.
***
While critics view the $8 billion dollar rail project as "wasteful," other experts say it's a smart investment for big cities to make to help ease road congestion and help the middle class travel.

On Wednesday's program, liberal MSNBC host Keith Olbermann gave Bond the dubious honor as "Worst Person in the World," for taking credit for part of a stimulus plan he voted against.

VIDEO: Nixon Marks Stimulus Signing

Governor Jay Nixon marked the signing of the economic stimulus package at the Osage River Bridge near Tuscumbia Tuesday.

The project is one of the first in Missouri that will benefit from federal dollars.

WATCH MY KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

PLUS: NIXON MAKES ABC WORLD NEWS TONIGHT WITH QUICK HIT in Jake Tapper's lead piece on the stimulus Tuesday. "All across the state as projects like these and others jump up, people will start to work again," Nixon is quoted saying in shaky video captured by MoDOT and sent out on a feed.

Adding alternating passing lanes on Highway 60 from Republic to Monett is the first local Ozarks road project that will benefit. Journagan Construction received the $8.6 million dollar project. MoDot says the Highway 60 plan will create 200 jobs. A completion date is set for November 9, 2009.

The Governor said he will detail more plans in the coming days on how to use the economic stimulus money. The initial MoDOT projects are expected to create 14,000 news jobs in Missouri with a $2.4 billion dollar economic impact.

***

Nixon noted that the transportation package is a "relatively small portion" of the overall bill.

ABOVE: WATCH A CLIP OF NIXON REACTING TO A QUESTION ABOUT CRITICS WHO SAY THE BILL WON'T WORK.

Nixon will outline his plans for the stimulus dollars at a 3 p.m. news conference in the Governor's office Wednesday.

PLUS: A Jefferson City G.O.P source tells The Notebook House Republicans are already discussing using stimulus funds for a possible tax rebate, but that those talks are in the very early stages.

Rahn To Meet With LaHood Next Week About Stimulus

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says he'll meet with the transportation heads from all 50 states in Washington next Wednesday about how to prioritize funding for projects included in the economic stimulus package.

In a conference call with Midwest reporters Thursday afternoon, LaHood said he has asked DOT directors to bring "ready-to-go" projects to his attention at the meeting, but added, "I don't know how much each state is going to get."

"The fastest way to get the money out is through the state DOTs. We want projects that are ready-to-go," he added.

LaHood's conference call was part of a full-court press offensive by the Obama administration Thursday. Other Cabinet officials held similar conference calls in other regions of the country.

LaHood also announced the formation of TIGER, a multi-modal economic development team that will make sure the stimulus money id spent on projects "rapidly, legally and wisely."

The Secretary also pressed these points about the package:

• It's expected to create 3 to 4 million jobs over the next 2 years
• 75% of the funding in the package will be spent during the first 18 months
• "We're going to do it without earmarks. The President's been clear about that," LaHood said.
• Transparency will be paramount. The public will be able to track the money and spending down to their specific locales at www.recovery.gov.
• "We're going to hold the Governor's feet to the fire on this," LaHood said, responding to a question about accountability.

MO' STIMULUS INFO:

The White House has also released a fact sheet on how each state would benefit from the economic stimulus package. Highlights:

• Will create or save 73,300 Missouri jobs
• Provide a tax cut of up to $1,000 for 2.2 million Missouri families
• 74,000 families eligible for college tax credits
• Unemployment insurance benefits to 326,000 Missouri workers who have lost their jobs
• Funding to modernize at least 163 schools

Dixon Preps To Take The Lead on Transportation

Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon won the key chairmanship of the House Transportation Committee this legislative session. He said he requested a seat on the committee, but was "very happy" when Speaker Ron Richard asked him to head it up.

***

Dixon, of the 140th district, met with MoDOT leaders and the State Highway Commission have met and outlined the following priorities that will get a "fair hearing" before his committee:

• WRECKAGE REMOVAL -- MoDOT wants lawmakers to look at modifying the legislation on the time necessary to respond to clean up abandoned or wrecked automobiles on the highways. Right now, rural areas have 48 hours for so-called "wreckage removal," whereas urban areas have just 10 hours. MoDot says it should probably be consistent around the state.
• RED LIGHT CAMERAS -- Springfield has them. Arnold has them. But most towns don't. Dixon says implementing standards for red light cameras statewide could creep up in his committee.
• PRIMARY SEAT BELT LAW -- The bill that would allow police officers to pull someone over simply for not wearing a seatbelt is again on the table. "It's very controversial," says Dixon. He's promised it a fair hearing in his committee. "We'll have the discussion," says Dixon. But his position? "In general, I have a lot of respect for civil liberties and less government. I tend to think people can think for themselves." The bill has died the last few years.

While transportation funding will be the most pressing issue the state faces, Dixon said a special committee called Infrastructure & Transportation Funding will mostly deal with that.

The proposed federal economic stimulus is estimated to give $30 billion dollars to state transportation department, including about $500 million to Missouri.

Dixon also says the recent shuffle in Missouri politics hasn't changed his future political plans. He still says he's planning to run for the #30th District State Senate seat in 2010, but adds: "I really don't know what's going to happen next."

TIME Warns Of Shovel-Ready vs. Shovel-Worthy

THE MUST-READ BEFORE WE PASS A STIMULUS

Missouri transportation officials have already said they are ready to proceed with many "shovel-ready" road projects if some version of President Barack Obama's proposed $825 billion dollar economic stimulus package survives the wrath of Congress.

But in the Jan. 26th edition of TIME magazine, journalist Michael Grunwald brings up the relevant question of "shovel-ready" vs. "shovel-worthy." Grunwald, who pokes holes exposing some possible pitfalls of the stimulus, points out that some road projects that states may want to pursue may not be worthwhile for the longterm.

"Many projects are shovel-ready now only because they failed to clear the spectacularly low bar Congress set for pork in the past," writes Grunwald.

Grunwald also argues that fixing existing roads might be smarter than building new ones. "When you fix a road, you increase your need for future road repairs. When you build a road, you increase your need for future road repairs. Repairs are also quicker to get moving than new construction . . . New construction tends to produce rural or exurban sprawl roads that promote speculative development, overstretch municipal services, lengthen commutes and increase gasoline consumption and emissions," he writes.

Grunwald also makes a passing critique of Missouri's plans for road improvements with the stimulus. "Meanwhile states like Alabama, Kansas and Texas have been releasing lists of shovel-ready transportation projects that are dramatically skewed toward out of the way sprawl roads. Missouri's list was all roads, none of them in St. Louis."

McCaskill Questions LaHood On Earmarks

It was smooth sailing for former U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood at his Transportation Secretary confirmation hearing Wednesday -- except for Claire, reports Chicago's Daily Herald.

***

The Hill reports LaHood endured "aggressive questioning" from McCaskill.

"Clearly there is some robbing Peter to pay Paul that goes on," she said. "How do you view your job in terms of bringing more transparency to the process?," McCaskill asked LaHood.

"The longtime Republican congressman from Peoria got rave reviews from most lawmakers, although Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill pressured him on earmarks," reports the Herald.

For years, LaHood has secured millions of dollars in earmarks for his Illinois district. Citizens Against Government Waste has dubbed him "Porker of the Month."

THE HERALD REPORTS LAHOOD'S ANSWER:

"President Obama has made it clear in his economic stimulus bill there will be no earmark money," LaHood told McCaskill, adding it's up to members of Congress to police the earmark process. Referring to the upcoming highway reauthorization bill, historically a repository of pork, he noted, "if it doesn't have one earmark it won't cost me any heartburn."

THE HILL REPORTS MCCASKILL'S CONCERN:

"McCaskill said she is worried about the prospect of earmarks in the massive highway bill that lawmakers will begin writing this year. Her time in Washington, she said, has shown her that earmarks often go to the districts or states with the most senior members of Congress, not necessarily the most worthy projects."