/news-rss MO.gov News Feed Tue, 30 Apr 2024 03:26:26 +0000 en-us https://newsroom.house.mo.gov/news/1964 https://newsroom.house.mo.gov/?p=1964 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 19:05:51 +0000 Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher spoke to reporters after the House Ethics Committee voted to dismiss a complaint against him: https://www.modot.org/node/46059 46059 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 29 Apr 2024 16:10:01 +0000 Lane and ramp closures scheduled for overnight pavement repair work on NB/SB I-49, May 1-3 Visitor (not verified) Mon, 04/29/2024 - 16:10 Pavement repair work will take place on NB/SB I-49 from 140th St. to 155th St., May 1-3 JACKSON COUNTY – Crews will perform pavement repair work at various locations on NB/SB I-49 from 140th St. to 155th St. on May 1-3 at the locations listed below. All work is weather dependent. Wednesday, May 1 through Friday, May 3 from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. Double lane closure on NB/SB I-49 from 140th St. to 155th St. Ramp from MO Route 150 to SB I-49 CLOSED Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can be moving operations, such as striping, patching or mowing. They can also be short term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris from the roadway. For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.org/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on X, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity/. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for workzone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). Districts Involved Kansas City Published On Mon, 04/29/2024 - 11:07 https://www.modot.org/node/46058 46058 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 29 Apr 2024 15:10:01 +0000 Ramp closures on U.S. Route 54 in Lake of the Ozarks area to begin next week Visitor (not verified) Mon, 04/29/2024 - 15:10 Crews to paint Grand Glaize and Niangua Arms of the Lake of the Ozarks Bridges JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A project to paint three bridges on U.S. Route 54 in the Lake of the Ozarks area is set to begin next week. The Missouri Department of Transportation contracted with International Rigging Group LLC to apply a protective coating to the substructure of the bridges. The bridges were rehabilitated in 2023 and this procedure is intended to extend their expected life. The work will require the closure of associated ramps and may involve nighttime lane closures.  Construction crews will be painting the substructure of the eastbound and westbound Grand Glaize Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks bridges and the Niangua Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks bridge. Work is expected to start on May 6 and be complete by the end of the month.  Planned progression of work and expected traffic impacts:  Grand Glaize Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks, eastbound and westbound bridges  May 6-16, 2024  Closures of the eastbound and westbound ramps from U.S. Route 54 to Osage Beach Parkway may be necessary during daytime hours (6 a.m. to 7 p.m.). On days when the ramps are closed, message boards will alert motorists to use an alternate route.  Possible single-lane closures on U.S. Route 54 during nighttime hours from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.  Niangua Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks bridge  May 18-29, 2024  The shoulder will be closed and driving lanes will be narrowed during daytime hours (6 a.m. to 7 p.m.).  Single-lane closures may be necessary on U.S. Route 54 during nighttime hours (7 p.m. to 6 a.m.).  All work is weather-permitting and subject to change.   MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones. Motorists are advised to use extra caution through work zones, obey all traffic signs, and avoid any distractions.    For traffic updates or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit our Traveler Information Map. Information is also available 24/7 via social media. Follow the MoDOT Central Missouri District on social media:  Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram    Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down   ### Districts Involved Central Published On Mon, 04/29/2024 - 10:00 https://www.modot.org/node/46057 46057 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 29 Apr 2024 14:50:01 +0000 Upcoming closures for Buck O'Neil Bridge work, April 30-May 4 Visitor (not verified) Mon, 04/29/2024 - 14:50 JACKSON AND CLAY COUNTIES – Crews with the Buck O’Neil Bridge project will make the following closures and traffic pattern changes.  NEW: Tuesday, April 30   Crews will close the left lane of WB I-70 at Broadway Blvd. to Beardsley Rd. from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Crews will close the left lane of EB I-70 at Beardsley Rd. to Broadway Blvd. from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Thursday, May 2 Crews will close the left lane of EB I-70 at Beardsley Rd. to Broadway Blvd. from 1 a.m. until 7 a.m. Crews will close the ramps from Beardsley Rd. and 5th Street to WB I-70 from 1 a.m. until 7 a.m. Friday, May 3-Saturday, May 4 Crews will close NB I-35 at I-670 from 7 p.m. on Friday, May 3 until 5 a.m. on Saturday, May 4 Crews will close the ramp from 12th Street to NB I-35 from 7 p.m. on Friday, May 3 until 5 a.m. on Saturday, May 4 * Please note the ramps the following ramps will have intermittent closures through April 2024. Ramp from Beardsley Rd. to WB I-70 Ramp from 5th Street to WB I-70 Ramp from Beardsley Rd to 6th Street RAMP CLOSURE: NOW through May 31 The ramp from eastbound I-70 to southbound I-35 will be closed for repair and rehabilitation as part of the Buck O'Neil Bridge project. The current Buck O’Neil Memorial Bridge is a triple arch bridge carrying U.S. Route 169 over the Missouri River and serves as a key regional connection between downtown Kansas City and communities north of the river. While safe, the bridge is nearing the end of its projected service life.  #BuckBridge Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can be moving operations, such as striping, patching or mowing. They can also be short term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris from the roadway. For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.org/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on X, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity/. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for workzone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). Districts Involved Kansas City Published On Mon, 04/29/2024 - 09:46 https://www.modot.org/node/46056 46056 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 29 Apr 2024 13:40:01 +0000 Sidewalk Improvements in Four Locations in McDonald Co. Scheduled to Begin Week of May 6 Visitor (not verified) Mon, 04/29/2024 - 13:40 Sidewalk Improvements in Four Locations in McDonald Co. Scheduled to Begin Week of May 6 McDonald County – Drivers should watch for contractor crews making sidewalk improvements and working close to traffic in McDonald County in four (4) towns beginning the week of May 6, the Missouri Department of Transportation said. Work will be done at these locations: Missouri Route 59 (Marshall Street) at Main Street in Anderson Missouri Route 43 (Main Street) at locations between Route PP and Comanche Street in Southwest City McDonald County Route W (Main Street) at locations between 5th and 8th streets in Pineville Missouri Route 90 (Cliffside Street) at locations between Gratz Street and Sulphur Street in Noel Improvements include making curb ramps, landings, crosswalks, pedestrian signs, handrails and pavement markings conform to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Traffic Impacts: Work will be done during daytime hours (7 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Friday) Drivers may encounter occasional lane closures and flaggers in areas where crews are working Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching work zones No signed detours Drivers should find alternate routes around work zones Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule. Project Information: Prime contractor: Branco Enterprises, Springfield Total cost: $458,000 Completion date: November 1, 2024      For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest Follow MoDOT's Southwest District: Facebook | X | Instagram |YouTube Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down Districts Involved Southwest Published On Mon, 04/29/2024 - 08:37 https://www.modot.org/node/46055 46055 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 29 Apr 2024 13:00:01 +0000 County Road 589 in Stoddard County Closed for Culvert Replacement Visitor (not verified) Mon, 04/29/2024 - 13:00 SIKESTON—County Road 589 in Stoddard County will be closed as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert under the roadway.   This section of roadway is located at the junction of U.S. Route 60 and County Road 589. U.S. Route 60 will not be impacted during this work.  Weather permitting, work will take place Tuesday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.   The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.  For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.     ###    facebook.com/MoDOTSoutheast  twitter.com/MoDOTSoutheast  youtube.com/MoDOTSoutheast    Districts Involved Southeast Published On Mon, 04/29/2024 - 07:52 https://www.modot.org/node/46054 46054 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 29 Apr 2024 12:10:01 +0000 MoDOT: Future Intersection Improvements Project at U.S. Route 60 in Seymour regan.mitchell Mon, 04/29/2024 - 12:10 Focus of May 13 Public Meeting Project U.S. Route 60, Route C, and Route K Intersection Improvements in Webster Seymour, Webster County – Those interested to learn more about the U.S. Route 60 Intersection Improvements Project at Webster County Route C/Route K in Seymour are invited to a public meeting on Monday, May 13, the Missouri Department of Transportation said. The public meeting is scheduled for 4:30-6 p.m. on Monday, May 13, at the Seymour Middle School Cafeteria, 501 E Clinton Ave, Seymour. The meeting will be come-and-go with NO FORMAL PRESENTATION planned. Those who attend can come at any time between 4:30 and 6 p.m. Anyone unable to attend the in-person meeting can view the same exhibits at an online public meeting available at www.modot.org/southwest. The project will build a new interchange at Route 60 and Routes C/K in Seymour and intersection improvements at Route 60 and Clinton Avenue on the westside of Seymour. Here’s a look at the project: New interchange at U.S. Route 60 and Webster County Route C/K to improve safety and traffic flow Realign Route K to new interchange and connect local Garfield Street to new interchange Construct Outer Roads for improved connectivity north of Route 60, from Enterprise Drive to Skyline Road U.S. Route 60 Intersection Improvements at Clinton Avenue Remove 2 signalized intersections and crossovers: Route C/K and Clinton Avenue Remove 2 unsignalized intersections and crossovers: Skyline Drive and Lynch Drive Traffic Impacts: Lane closures on Route 60 at times Narrowed lanes at times During higher traffic volume, drivers can expect occasional delays Crews and equipment close to traffic Temporary partial driveway and access disruptions Project information: Total Estimated Project Cost: $30.7 million Project webpage and sign up for project updates: https://www.modot.org/us-60-intersection-improvements END For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest Follow MoDOT's Southwest District: Facebook | X | Instagram |YouTube Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down Districts Involved Southwest Published On Mon, 04/29/2024 - 07:02 https://www.modot.org/node/46053 46053 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 29 Apr 2024 12:10:01 +0000 MoDOT to split westbound I-70 lanes at Spencer Creek starting at 9 p.m., TONIGHT, Mon., April 29 Visitor (not verified) Mon, 04/29/2024 - 12:10 ST. CHARLES COUNTY – Drivers traveling on westbound Interstate 70 at Spencer Creek can expect possible delays during a bridge rehabilitation project. All work is weather permitting. Starting Monday, April 29 at 9 p.m., crews will close two right lanes on westbound I-70 near Mid Rivers Mall Drive. The remaining lanes will be split with four westbound lanes on the left side of the interstate, and one right lane using the shoulder between the Spencer Road overpass and the Spencer Creek bridge. Drivers exiting to Mid Rivers Mall Drive must use the right lane.  Currently, this section of I-70 has six through lanes, with the far-right lane exiting to Mid Rivers Mall Drive. This is the second of four stages for the work on westbound I-70 at Spencer Creek.  These lane shifts are expected to be completed early June, weather permitting. This work is part of an I-70 bridge rehabilitation program of 12 bridges along Interstate 70 in St. Charles County: https://www.modot.org/70-bridge-rehabilitation-st-charles For up-to-date traffic and travel info, motorists can check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.   ### Districts Involved St. Louis Published On Mon, 04/29/2024 - 07:07 https://www.modot.org/node/46052 46052 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 29 Apr 2024 11:30:01 +0000 Lane Closures, Traffic Delays on Route HH Project to Build Roundabout in Carthage Beginning May 6 Visitor (not verified) Mon, 04/29/2024 - 11:30 Project Route HH Roundabout Construction at Dr. Russell Smith Way in Jasper Jasper County – Drivers should expect lane closures and traffic delays on Jasper County Route HH (Fir Road) at Dr. Russell Smith Way in Carthage when a project to build a roundabout is scheduled to begin the week of May 6, the Missouri Department of Transportation said. Contractor crews will convert the intersection just west of I-49 to a single-lane roundabout. This project is a 50/50 cost share with the City of Carthage. Traffic impacts: Beginning the week of May 6, work will begin on the roundabout on Route HH (Fir Road) between I-49 and Chapel Road Contractor crews will begin work on south shoulder when temporary access is built for Mercy Hospital Drivers should be aware of crews and equipment working close to traffic Drivers can expect occasional lane closures, with traffic through the work zone controlled by flaggers Drivers will have access to all driveways and businesses on Route HH (Fir Road) No signed detour Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone Drivers urged to find alternate routes to avoid work zone Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule. For more information about this project, click on this link to go to the online project page. Project Information: Prime contractor: Radmacher Brothers Excavating Co. Inc., Pleasant Hill Total construction costs: $1.3 million Contract completion date: February 22, 2025      For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest Follow MoDOT's Southwest District: Facebook | X | Instagram |YouTube Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down Districts Involved Southwest Published On Mon, 04/29/2024 - 06:27 https://www.modot.org/node/46051 46051 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 29 Apr 2024 11:20:01 +0000 MO Route 142 in Butler County Reduced for Island Replacement Visitor (not verified) Mon, 04/29/2024 - 11:20 SIKESTON ― Route 142 in Butler County will be reduced as contractor crews remove and replace islands at various intersections. As work is underway, eastbound and westbound Route 142 will be reduced to one lane in each direction in the vicinity of the intersection.  This section of roadway is located near the intersection of Route 142 and Route 67 near Neelyville, Missouri.   Weather permitting, work will take place from Wednesday, May 8 through Friday, May 17 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.   The work zone will be marked with signs.  Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.   For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.      ###   facebook.com/MoDOTSoutheast   twitter.com/MoDOTSoutheast   youtube.com/MoDOTS Districts Involved Southeast Published On Mon, 04/29/2024 - 06:12 https://www.modot.org/node/46050 46050 at https://www.modot.org Mon, 29 Apr 2024 11:10:01 +0000 SB I-55 in Cape Girardeau County Reduced for Bridge Repairs Visitor (not verified) Mon, 04/29/2024 - 11:10 SIKESTON—Southbound Interstate 55 in Cape Girardeau County will be reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction as contractor crews perform bridge repairs.   This section of the roadway is located from mile marker 91 to mile marker 92 near Cape Girardeau, Missouri.   Weather permitting, work will take place Monday, May 13 from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The work zones will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near these areas.  For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.                                                                                                                 ###  facebook.com/MoDOTSoutheast  twitter.com/MoDOTSoutheast  youtube.com/MoDOTSoutheast  Districts Involved Southeast Published On Mon, 04/29/2024 - 06:02 https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/kayaking-101-instruction-kicks-national-safe-boating-week 256611 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 29 Apr 2024 11:07:54 +0000 Kayaking 101 instruction kicks off National Safe Boating Week Karen Kremer Mon, 04/29/2024 - 11:07 Release Date Monday, April 29, 2024 Missouri State Parks and US Coast Guard Auxiliary partner with American Canoe Association to offer classesJEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 29, 2024 – Missouri State Parks and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are joining the Missouri chapter of the American Canoe Association to offer low-cost kayaking instruction at two state parks Saturday, May 18. The event celebrates National Safe Boating Week, which begins the same day.In 2023, this event trained 279 students across North Carolina and Tennessee in 24 simultaneous Kayaking 101 classes led by national certified ACA instructor volunteers. This event began in Tennessee in 2022 and by April 2024, the National Safe Boating Council recognized the effort with the 2024 IBWSS Communications Community Impact Award.As a result of the program’s success in 2023, 45 simultaneous classes are planned for May 18, 2024, in Missouri, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Texas and Florida.“Our instructor volunteers are so excited to share their love of the sport with newcomers and experienced paddlers alike,” said ACA Southeastern Chair Andrea White. “Just one day of training can make the difference between setting yourself up for a bad experience that ruins the sport for you versus setting yourself up for a whole lifetime of paddling fun.”Participating Missouri state parks for this event include Finger Lakes and Cuivre River state parks. Classes cost $15 per person, which includes a free kayak rental for anyone who signs up. All instructors are Missouri volunteers who are nationally certified to give paddling and rescue training, and are supported by experienced safety teams. Finger Lakes State Park is located at 1505 E. Peabody Road in Columbia, while Cuivre River State Park can be found at 678 State Route 147 in Troy.Each park’s event is limited to 15 people. A limited number of kayaks, paddles and life jackets will be available. These classes are made available by certified instructor volunteers, safety boaters and equipment donations from many organizations coming together to help their fellow paddlers across the state.Interested parties can register at Learn2 Programs | Missouri State Parks (mostateparks.com). In-person spaces are limited. A free online class is also available; however, in-person training with a certified instructor is strongly encouraged. The ACA is the national accrediting body for paddlesports education.For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/wings-over-weston-scheduled-may-4 256556 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 29 Apr 2024 10:34:52 +0000 Wings over Weston scheduled for May 4 Karen Kremer Mon, 04/29/2024 - 10:34 Release Date Monday, April 29, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 29, 2024 – The birds have returned! It’s an exciting time of year and the  Wings over Weston program is back at Weston Bend State Park. Come celebrate the return of spring and of our colorful migratory birds.This annual event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4, and celebrates the arrival of spring bird species to the park. This family-friendly day will teach visitors all about birds through hands-on activities, displays, crafts and games. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, bring water and snacks, and use sunscreen and insect repellent.Weston Bend State Park is located at 16600 Highway 45 North near Weston. For more information, call the park at 816-640-5443. In the event of inclement weather, the activities will be canceled.For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/anna-persell-selected-april-2024-state-missouri-missouri-department-natural-resources-team-member-month 256551 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 29 Apr 2024 09:15:13 +0000 Anna Persell selected as April 2024 State of Missouri and Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month Karen Kremer Mon, 04/29/2024 - 09:15 Release Date Monday, April 29, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, April 29, 2024 – Anna Persell, a park superintendent with Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, has been selected as the State of Missouri and department Team Member of the Month for April 2024. She was selected for her service to the department and her efforts while organizing and hosting special events at Crowder State Park.As part of her usual duties, Persell manages Crowder State Park, a very busy park with a campground, lake, large day-use area, 17 miles of trails, canoe and kayak rentals, and a large group camp. She operates the facility along with two full-time team members. You can often find her trimming trails, hosting programs for visitors orworking on a variety of special projects.Persell routinely leads interpretive hikes and hosts “Toddler Tuesdays,” a program designed for preschool aged children. She also has organized and hosted a variety of other popular events such as a Dutch Oven cooking contest and an Amazing Race-themed event. The park also hosts Women in Nature events and First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day.“It’s common to find her presenting an interpretive program on a Friday night in the campground, then she is busy cleaning the shower house at 6 a.m. the next morning,” said Dustin Webb, director of the northern region of Missouri State Parks. “She always goes above and beyond in the name of stewardship, public service and interpretation.”Recently, Persell partnered with the Missouri Veterans Commission to host 15 Missouri veterans for an all-inclusive managed deer hunt in the park. Each veteran in attendance was provided food, lodging and hunting tags for the weekend, as well as a hunting guide and free deer processing. The event took a considerable amount of time and effort to plan, but was a huge success.“The hunt went smoothly, as does everything Anna plans,” said David Kelly, director of Missouri State Parks. “Her attention to detail made everyone feel at ease. Everything down to the last detail was planned and we are lucky to have someone of her caliber working with us.”Persell joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in January 1998 and resides in Princeton. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-parson-extends-drought-alert-missouri 12226 at https://governor.mo.gov Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:02:54 +0000 Governor Parson Extends Drought Alert in Missouri Dakota.Julian Fri, 04/26/2024 - 14:02 April 26, 2024 Jefferson City Today, Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 24-05, extending Missouri’s drought alert to September 1, 2024. The action directs continued coordination of resources and combined response efforts across state government until conditions improve in drought-impacted areas. “Issuing a drought alert last spring was quite unprecedented, and unfortunately, the reality is we’re facing conditions worse now than a year ago,” Governor Parson said. “We welcome what rain Missouri has received in recent weeks, but this drought alert will continue so long as Missouri’s farmers and ranchers are struggling from the effects of prolonged dryness and concerns persist over commercial navigation along our riverways.” Lack of precipitation and below normal streamflow over the past year have kept Missouri under a drought alert continuously since May 31, 2023. Prior to that, a drought alert was active from July 2022 to March 2023.In accordance with the Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan, today’s executive order will continue the drought alert in Missouri counties with areas experiencing moderate or greater drought conditions. It will also extend to any other county that begins experiencing drought conditions consistent with the drought plan’s phases and triggers table.The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Drought Assessment Committee coordinates a combined state and federal response to the drought. At its April 17 meeting, the committee recommended the drought alert’s extension after hearing expert testimony that conditions within the state haven’t significantly improved due to unseasonably warm weather and continued dry conditions. Low streamflow within Missouri and a lack of plains and mountain snowpack were also cited as points of concern warranting the committee to continue its work into summer.To date this year, Missouri has experienced fairly typical precipitation based on historical trends. However, groundwater, streamflow, and precipitation levels are not where they need to be to lift the state out of drought conditions, given the multi-year drought Missouri and other states to our northwest whose snow pack melts feed the Missouri and Mississippi rivers have experienced. As of April 25, 11 Missouri counties are experiencing severe drought, 71 counties are experiencing moderate drought, and 86 counties are experiencing abnormally dry conditions.Over the past year, the Drought Assessment Committee has overseen and helped coordinate multiple actions to mitigate the drought that will continue under this Executive Order: Bringing together subject matter experts across public and private agencies to collect information and promote collaboration to find solutions to drought-related issues.Emergency water pumping and haying opportunities have been made available to farmers on public lands, including select state parks and conservation areas. Variances have been approved by the Soil and Water Districts Commission from its regular grazing school requirements, pond cleanout practices, and cover crop and livestock exclusion practices. Money has also been allocated to each Soil and Water Conservation District to help with soil and water resiliency. The Department of Natural Resources is monitoring drinking water reservoir systems to ensure drinking water capacity remains unaffected. The Department of Transportation continues to offer permits for over-width loads to allow hay to be transported.The Missouri Hydrology Information Center partnership is also working to expand the soil moisture and stream gauge networks to provide a more accurate account of water resources across Missouri.The Soil and Water Conservation Commission have obligated over $3.6M to landowners and cooperators in communities to help mitigate the effects of drought.The University of Missouri and Missouri Department of Agriculture have both developed hay directories to help farmers and ranchers locate hay. Local condition reports are crucial to understanding drought impacts to provide timely and appropriate assistance. The public can submit information about local drought conditions at Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR).In addition, a variety of helpful resources are online at www.dnr.mo.gov/drought. The Department of Natural Resources is adding information on drought mitigation and assistance opportunities as it becomes available. The one-stop drought website features links to CMOR, current drought-related news, the current United States and Missouri drought monitor maps, the Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan, and other resources, including information on previous droughts.The Missouri Department of Conservation also warns of the increased risk for wildfires that drought conditions can cause. For more information on how best to prevent wildfires, visit MDC's wildfire prevention website: www.mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire-management/wildfire-prevention.To view Executive Order 24-05, click here.