From Pass-Through to Destination: Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission and the Saline County Visitor Center

[Brett Schwartz]

From Pass-Through to Destination: Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission and the Saline County Visitor Center​

This case study highlights how the Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission (PTRPC) in Missouri facilitated the transformation of Marshall Junction from an underutilized interchange into a growing economic gateway for the region. Through strategic planning, grant writing, partnership development, funding coordination, and project management, PTRPC helped assemble the resources and relationships needed to overcome longstanding infrastructure barriers and unlock new opportunities for investment.

As a result, Marshall Junction is evolving from a pass-through location into a destination, anchored by a new $3.2 million visitor center, planned expansion by Love’s Travel Stops, and emerging retail, restaurant, and hospitality development that will support local businesses and strengthen the region’s economy.

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• September 28, 2026

This resource is offered through the Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), managed by the NADO Research Foundation to build the capacity of the national network of EDDs. To learn more, visit: . The EDD CoP is made possible through an award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce (ED22HDQ3070106). The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations in this resource are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.


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