Politics & Government
Wentzville Board Approves I-70 Intergovernmental Study
Board members said they wanted to ensure the study would be monitored for progress.
The Wentzville Board of Aldermen agreed at their Wednesday agreed to contribute $50,000 to a three-year study of I-70 in a partnership with other St. Charles County municipalities.
The Federal Highway Administration will be in charge of the study of the I-70 corridor, extending from I-270 in St. Louis County, across the Blanchette Bridge and west to near Lake Saint Louis.
Besides Wentzville, St. Peters and O’Fallon would also contribute $50,000. Lake Saint Louis would provide $25,000 and St. Charles County $100,000.
The study’s goal is to improve traffic conditions and mobility along the stretch of highway.
Some Wentzville aldermen, however, were apprehensive about the study.
“I see studies happening all the time, then getting put back on the shelf,” said Ward 1 Alderman Forrest Gossett.
Ward 3 Alderman Rick Stokes said he would pass it, but asked for quarterly updates from the staff working on the study.
Doug Forbeck, Community Development Director, said all of the studies conducted in the city are used frequently. Forbeck added that studies like the I-70 one could help Wentzville get future grants in other projects.
“It shows we are serious. We have a plan,” Forbeck said.
The board approved the bill, but aldermen said they want to be kept up-to-date on the progress of the project.
“I want to see the bang for the buck,” Gossett said.