A new report shows that Missouri's rural roads and bridges are some of the worst in the nation. This is according to a national transportation research group.

The report found that more than 500 people died on rural Missouri roads,

Eighteen-percent of Missouri's rural bridges were rated structurally deficient, and 20-percent of rural roads are in poor condition.

An additional 11-percent of the state's rural bridges were functionally obsolete.

"The condition and safety of these roads and bridges is critically important to the hundreds of thousands of Missourians who live and make their living in the state's rural areas. While progress has been made, there is still much left to be done," said Doug Smith, president of the Associated General Contractors of Missouri. "There is a direct correlation between the condition and safety of the state's rural roads and the limited funding that MoDOT has available."

WAPPAPELLO, MO (KFVS) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is asking for volunteers to help clean up around the lake.

It's part of National Public Lands Day 2011 on Saturday, September 24th. Volunteers will help pick up trash and litter along roads and other designated locations.

The cleanup runs from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Wappapello Lake Project Office. After the activities are complete, volunteers are invited to meet at Picnic Shelter #5 at Eagle Point Recreation Area. There will be a free lunch and various games and activities.

A Day Use pass will also be given to each volunteer. They'll be honored at all U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Parks Service, U.S. Forest Service and U.S.