For the first time in five years, there was no State of Transportation Address to Missouri legislators. Director Pete Rahn delivered the fifth and final State of Transportation address Feb. 6, 2008. The law authorizing the annual speech contained a five-year sunset clause, which legislators did not extend.

Although there was no formal speech, MoDOT hosted a Transportation Day at the Capitol on Feb. 4 to inform elected officials about what’s going on in transportation and where their help is needed. 

“The State of Transportation Address provided a key opportunity for us to talk to legislators about our recent achievements and our future goals and challenges,” said Governmental Relations Director Jay Wunderlich. “Transportation Day will help us build on the momentum created by the speech and inform our elected officials about vital transportation issues.”

Activities planned for Transportation Day at the Capitol included safety displays, legislative visits and a news conference featuring Director Rahn, Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission members and legislators.

Transportation Day focused on MoDOT's top priority for 2009 – amending the state’s current safety belt law to allow for primary enforcement. Other topics of discussion included the federal economic stimulus package and how it will affect Missouri. Rahn also will use the visits as an opportunity to talk about A Conversation for Moving Missouri Forward – MoDOT’s discussion with Missourians about the future of transportation in our state.