Contact: Ernie Blazar 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Friday, June 6, 2003

ST. JOSEPH, MO - Senator Kit Bond today joined with local leaders to examine the proposed Riverside Road expansion project. Bond received a briefing on the project from local city and business leaders and discussed the economic benefit of the project to St. Joseph's economy.

"During tough economic times, we must work together on projects that will set the foundation for economic growth, said Bond, Chairman of the Senate subcommittee in charge of writing the next six-year federal highway bill. "I believe the Riverside Road project can be a cornerstone for future job growth."

Last December, Senator Bond visited St. Joseph and met with leaders from Northwest Missouri on their transportation needs. At that meeting, leaders from St. Joseph expressed the expansion of Riverside Road as a top priority to ease congestion and spur future economic development for the region.

"It was clear from our previous meeting that the Riverside Road expansion was the top priority for St. Joseph," said Bond. "Many leaders talked about the current congestion problems as well as the benefit this expansion project could have on St. Joe's economy."

Kit Bond is Missouri’s senior Senator and is now in his third term after having served the state previously during two terms as Governor.