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The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will hold a series of public meetings this month and next to gather input on the development of a statewide rail plan.

The plan will help guide decisions for freight- and passenger-rail projects over the next 20 years, MoDOT officials said in a prepared statement.

The plan will be used “to pursue critical federal funds for planning and construction of rail projects, and to prioritize investments that improve movement of people and goods, expand connections between all modes of transportation and support long-term economic growth in Missouri,” they said.

The public will be asked to comment on such topics as the existing rail system’s ability to serve businesses in moving raw materials and finished products; the state’s interest in and potential ridership of intercity passenger rail; and the importance of investing in different types of rail projects compared to other infrastructure needs given likely funding limits.

The meetings will be held throughout the state beginning today and concluding in early November.