ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – A November ballot issue for voters in St. Louis City would redefine the scope and responsibilities of the Streets Department, creating in its place, a Department of Transportation.
According to the ballot language, if approved the new department would have “…the authority and duty to maintain and repair public streets, sidewalks, alleys, bridges, streetlights, and traffic lights; to perform waste removal services; and to plan, engineer, and design city transportation projects and transportation programs.”
Michael Browning, the bill’s original sponsor in the Board of Aldermen, said it’s intent was to modernize the Streets Department, which he said often lacks the ability to design and implement comprehensive projects around the city. The charter for the department was authored in 1914 and did not include engineering or planning in its responsibilities.
Instead, many proposals for street improvements are generated by aldermen in coordination with streets and other departments.
“There’s no consistency,” Browning said. “We need a more proactive system and cut through the red tape and not have so much bureaucracy involved.”
The proposal has faced little opposition, clearing the Board of Aldermen in a 14 to 1 vote.
Charles Bryson, who works with Trailnet, testified about the bill numerous times throughout the board’s discussion. He said the result of the city’s current model for street repairs and design had often resulted in a piecemeal approach to projects, at times lacking a comprehensive strategy for connecting them to major arterials.
“Having a transporation department that engages with your community and your ward is part of moving your city forward,” Bryson said.
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