Branson aldermen give initial approval to 76 ownership
BRANSON MO NEWS: After two years of discussion, Branson’s ownership of the city’s main strip took a step forward Tuesday.The Branson Board of Aldermen voted 4-1 on first reading to accept a road relinquishment agreement with Missouri Department of Transportation for Missouri 76. Pending final approval, the agreement would give the city ownership of 76 Country Boulevard from Missouri 376 and Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, to the intersection of U.S. 65.According to Keith Francis, director of public works/engineering for the city, discussion on ownership of the road began on Sept. 11 2016. Francis said a major reason for the city assuming ownership of the road would be to move overhead utility lines underground.
“Law stipulates MoDOT cannot prohibit future pole instillations on state-owned right of ways,” Francis said.Alderman Kevin McConnell represented the lone vote against the measure Tuesday. McConnell“There’s been a lot of confusion about the cost of maintenance on 76 and what the cost is to the city,” McConnell said “The other comes from an accounting and finance standpoint. We’re going to get money from MoDOT and I have some concerns over where the money is going and where it will be used, because we have a history of moving money around and not having the accountability of how the money is spent.“My concern is if MoDOT keeps the road and the money we don’t have to worry about how the money is spent.”As part of the agreement, MoDOT would reimburse the city about $5 million over a 10-year period. The first payment is listed as $492,429.According to the city’s estimates, the annual cost of maintenance for 76 Country Boulevard is $96,895. Mayor Karen Best said the city is already providing some of the services needed for the upkeep of the road.“Many of the services we’ …
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