JEFFERSON CITY — Gov. Matt Blunt’s plan to expand the Highways and Transportation Commission won easy initial approval in the Senate on Tuesday.
The bill would expand the commission from six to eight members. The two new members would represent air and mass transit, and river and freight transportation.
The bill needs another vote to move to the House.
Sen. Jon Dolan, R-Lake St. Louis, said the measure was another step in restoring people’s confidence in the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, said he had concerns that with even more members, an area such as St. Louis or Kansas City could have too much influence.
But Dolan said that’s not a concern.
“I don’t see the gamesmanship here,” he said. “I don’t see how it tips the balance of reforms.”