JEFFERSON CITY — Today (6-13), Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, sent a letter to members of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, requesting the panel’s consideration of a local public safety issue among the list of other projects recently released for public deliberation.

“As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have heard testimony as to the seriousness of Missouri’s infrastructure needs,” said Sen. Pearce. “However, I cannot stand by and watch other necessary improvements get passed by because they aren’t considered as much of a priority.”

In his letter, Sen. Pearce requested the commission consider its own mission of improving the state’s infrastructure and protecting its citizens and reconsider the recent list of projects to be addresses should Constitutional Amendment 7 pass in the Aug. 5, 2014, election.

In rural Johnson County, the interchange at Highway 50 and Highway 58/County Road 501 is heavily traveled, due to local schools, tourism and agricultural traffic. With approximately 20,000 vehicles per day traveling through this intersection, the risk to these thousands of individuals is compounded by the lack of safety protocols.

“Our county’s students expect us to provide them with safe transportation both to and from school, as well as the citizens that travel this road as they head to jobs or back home,” said Sen. Pearce. “While some progress has been made, leaving further improvements off the proposed list of funded projects for consideration if Constitutional Amendment 7 passes is no less than gross negligence.”

A similar letter was sent to the commission by Rep. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, requesting similar consideration.

“It is my hope that the commission will realize the seriousness of this public safety issue, and choose to reformat the proposed projects to include the Highways 50/58 interchange,” said Rep. Hoskins. “Lives may very well depend on it.”

Today, a public comment forum opened and will remain open through July 3. Originally slated to run for one week, officials added a week to allow ample time for citizens to voice any concerns.

To stay current on any legislative action by Sen. Pearce, visit www.senate.mo.gov/pearce.