MoDOT Receives Lewis and Clark Award

JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri Department of Transportation has received the Missouri Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Legacy Award 2003-2006.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers and Missouri Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission Executive Director Doug Eiken presented the award to MoDOT Director Pete Rahn and Environmental Process and Policy Specialist Mark Kross at the June 10 Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission meeting.  

The award recognizes MoDOT's commitment to carrying out the late Gov. Mel Carnahan's charge that the Lewis and Clark bicentennial commemoration move their legacy forward.   The Missouri Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission gives the award to recognize state agencies and private individuals demonstrating an ongoing commitment to the spirit of discovery, achievement and wonder fostered by the original expedition.

MoDOT's support of the Missouri Lewis and Clark bicentennial included developing new signs that designated Lewis and Clark historic attractions and interpretive panels.   Although the Lewis and Clark trail in Missouri was already marked, MoDOT made sure the signs were current and that directions for the trail were clear.   The trail route is also featured in the Missouri State Map.

"MoDOT's primary effort was focused on directing people to Lewis and Clark historical sites, and these signs and efforts won't dissipate when the bicentennial celebration concludes in 2006," Kross said.

Kross added that MoDOT's key emphasis for the commemoration is keeping travelers safe and alleviating confusion so people can have a memorable Lewis and Clark experience in Missouri.

"We wanted to ensure that travelers, whether they were tourists or Lewis and Clark Expedition re-enactors, had a good experience by giving them clear directions," Kross said.