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Fort Scott represented at transportation program meeting
State legislators visited Pittsburg State University Thursday hosting a meeting with the purpose of hearing area residents and spokespersons testimonies for a new comprehensive transportation program.
The Special Committee on A New Comprehensive Transportation Plan is comprised of 16 state senators and state representatives. The committee heard testimonies from area city officials, businesses and other organizations pleading their case for projects to be included in the new comprehensive plan.
Representing Fort Scott and Bourbon County were Dale Bunn, Fort Scott director of economic development; Cynthia McFarlin, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce tourism director; Nick Graham, Fort Scott city commissioner; Gary Palmer, representing the Young Professional Leaders; and Clayton Tatro, president of Fort Scott Community College.
All Fort Scott representatives focused on two points of interest to be included in the comprehensive plan, U.S. 69 four-lane improvements and an overpass on 23rd St.
"These two projects are our priorities," Bunn said.
Bunn told the committee the city and the county have been working to get as much done on their own including contacting the Kansas Department of Transportation to have assessments completed. McFarlin added that the community members are also working hard to improve the area.
"Cold hard cash, sweat and creativity have gone into this county," McFarlin said.
Palmer approached the committee from a slightly different point of view than most speakers at the meeting. Palmer mentioned how improvements to U.S. 69 will benefit Pittsburg State University and the students who attend the university. He said improvements to the highway will improve the safety of those traveling from Kansas City, Kan. to Pittsburg.
Last of the Fort Scott and Bourbon County representatives was Tatro. He expressed to the committee how improvements to the highway will benefit FSCC as well as the economy. Tatro said FSCC operates many programs around the area and works with Pittsburg State University and Kansas City Kansas Community College.
The college was not the only point of view Tatro spoke from, he also mentioned how the improvements would affect the economy of Fort Scott. With Kansas City, Kan. moving further south Fort Scott is in a position to gain from its growth.
"It's easier for us to get to Kansas City ... it's also easier for them to get to us," Tatro said.
Improvement to U.S. 69 was a very popular topic of conversation during the meeting. Many communities can see benefits from its improvement.
"The four-lane is southeast Kansas' shot at increasing population," Tatro said.
The committee has been touring the state holding similar meetings in Wichita, Overland Park, Garden City and will hold one more meeting Jan. 8 in Topeka.