238.305. Purpose of law.

MISSOURI STATUTES AND CODES

Purpose of law.

238.305. 1. The general assembly declares that:

(1) The present and prospective traffic congestion and limited roadwaysin many areas of this state, and the limited availability of state funds,require as a public purpose the promotion and development of publictransportation facilities and systems by new and alternative means;

(2) The creation of transportation corporations by private parties incooperation with the commission is essential to the continued economic growthof this state, is in the public interest, and will promote the health, safetyand general welfare of the citizens of this state by securing for themexpanded and improved transportation facilities and systems;

(3) The transportation corporations created under sections 238.300 to238.360 will perform an essential function by acting to secure and obtainrights-of-way for urgently needed transportation systems and to assist in theplanning and design of such systems;

(4) The transportation corporations created under sections 238.300 to238.360 will perform many functions normally undertaken by the commission andits staff, and thus will reduce the burdens and demands on limited fundsavailable to the commission, thereby increasing the effectiveness and impactof those funds available to the commission;

(5) The transportation corporations created under sections 238.300 to238.360 will act in promoting and developing public transportation facilitiesand systems and in promoting economic development in this state, and will notact as the agent or instrumentality of any private interests even though manyprivate interests may be benefited by the transportation corporations, as willthe general public. The transportation corporations created under sections238.300 to 238.360 shall periodically make a showing to the statetransportation department of a good faith effort of development andimplementation of a women and minority employment and business plan. Onlyafter such a showing of a good faith effort may the transportationcorporations created under sections 238.300 to 238.360 waive the generalpolicy of women and minority employment and business plan and involvement. Ifsuch policy is waived, the transportation corporations created under sections238.300 to 238.360 shall make a showing of a good faith effort of developmentand implementation of a women and minority employment and business plan everythree months until such policy is again in effect.

2. Sections 238.300 to 238.360 shall be liberally construed inconformance with the legislative findings and purposes set forth in thissection.