Columbia forum set on roadway priorities

Central Missouri residents concerned about highways and other transportation issues are invited to attend a third meeting of a group appointed to establish transportation priorities for the region.

The Central Missouri Working Group, appointed by the Missouri Department of Transportation, will meet from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday at OATS Inc., 2501 Maguire Blvd.

A regional representative will facilitate the discussion, and state transportation officials will answer questions.

The public can observe the meeting and offer suggestions to group members.

Possible strategies and solutions to the five major transportation issues identified at the group’s last meeting are on the agenda.

The group includes 20 regional residents who offer a variety of ideas and thoughts about transportation, Transportation Planning Outreach Coordinator Sue Cox said.

“This is an opportunity for the public to have a say in how their tax dollars are used,” Cox said. “We can do a better job if we know what they need.”

The next meeting will be held in April to discuss costs associated with meeting identified needs. The group will also hold another meeting later in the spring to voice specific concerns.