In early June the News Tribune reported that the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved the Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) $3.2 billion budget, which includes more funding for Amtrak to restore two daily round trips on the Missouri River Runner and a larger funding pool for port capital improvements.
Findings from these two economic impact studies conducted by Cambridge Systematics (CS) in partnership with MoDOT were used to help share information about the importance of these transportation modes and improvements:
Economic Impact Study for Public Ports
The study, completed in 2018, quantified the economic impact of Missouri’s 12 individual public ports as well as the port system as a whole on the statewide economy. This work received an AASHTO Sweet Sixteen High Value Research Award in 2019.Economic Impact of Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner Service
Completed in 2021, the study found that the Missouri River Runner service provides significant benefits in Missouri through travel/transportation, reduced energy consumption, safety and tourism/visitor spending.
These studies were led by CS’ Katie Kirk, Associate, along with Paula Dowell, Freight and Economics National Practice Lead; Isabel Victoria-Jaramillo, Senior Associate; and Erin Lasala, Associate.