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HANNIBAL, MO -- The Missouri Department of Transportation wants your input on the future of rails in the state. There will be a public meeting from five-30 until seven on Tuesday, October 18 at the Hannibal Nutrition Center. A formal presentation will be held at 6 p.m. 

The purpose of the meeting is to gather public input on the development of MoDOT's Statewide Rail Plan.
"The plan will serve as the strategic framework for the development of both freight and passenger rail service in Missouri for the next twenty years, so it is vital we hear from Missourians to incorporate their needs into this process," said MoDOT's Northeast District Engineer Paula Gough.

"A Statewide Rail Plan is necessary for Missouri to pursue critical federal funds for planning and constructing rail projects," Gough explained. Public input will help us prioritize investments that will enhance the movement of people and goods, expand connections between all modes of transportation and support long-term economic growth in Missouri," she added.

In addition to the open house meetings, MoDOT is hosting an online public meeting from Oct. 18 through November 18 at morail.org. This online meeting will give those unable to personally attend public open houses a chance to learn about freight and passenger rail in Missouri, ask questions and provide input.

As work on the plan begins, the public is being asked to comment on the following:

- The current rail system's ability to serve Missouri's businesses in moving raw materials and finished products. 

- The state's interest in and potential ridership of intercity passenger rail. The role of publically funded improvements to move people and goods on privately-owned railroad systems.

- The importance of investing in different types of rail projects compared to other infrastructure needs, given likely funding limitations.

The public is encouraged to join the open house or online meeting to review project information, ask questions and discuss the plan with MoDOT representatives. All public meeting sites are wheel-chair accessible. The information presented at the open house meetings will also be included as part of the online public meeting.