70.227.  Metropolitan planning organization considered a political subdivision for purposes of local government employees' retirement system. — 1.  For purposes of this section, the following terms mean:

  (1)  "Local units", the same meaning given to the term under section 251.160;

  (2)  "Transportation planning boundary", the same meaning given to the term under section 251.160.

  2.  Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 70.600 to 70.755 to the contrary, a metropolitan planning organization organized under 23 U.S.C. Section 134 and designated by the governor shall be considered a political subdivision for the purposes of sections 70.600 to 70.755, and employees of such metropolitan planning organization shall be eligible for membership in the Missouri local government employees' retirement system upon the metropolitan planning organization becoming an employer, as defined in subdivision (11) of section 70.600.

  3.  Upon receipt of certified copies of resolutions recommending the dissolution of a metropolitan planning organization adopted by the governing bodies of a majority of the local units within the transportation planning boundary served by the metropolitan planning organization, and upon a finding that all outstanding indebtedness of the metropolitan planning organization has been paid, including moneys owed to any retirement plan or system in which the organization participates and has pledged to pay for the unfunded accrued liability of its past and current employees, and all unexpended funds returned to the local units that supplied them or adequate provision made for the funds, the governor shall issue a certificate of dissolution of the organization, which shall thereupon cease to exist.  If such organization was formally incorporated as a Missouri nonprofit corporation, the secretary of state shall issue such certificate of dissolution.