Contact: Rob Ostrander 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Thursday, April 15, 2004

WASHINGTON, DC Senator Kit Bond today announced that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved almost $3 million in federal funds for improvements to US 67 in Southeast Missouri.

"These funds are critical to improving the transportation infrastructure in Southeast Missouri," said Bond, who earlier this year drafted the six-year highway reauthorization bill. "Much needed work along US 67 will mean more jobs for the local economy, and most important, improved safety."

"These funds are an investment in our safety, our economy, and jobs in our region. These dollars will create vital improvements to transportation in Southern Missouri," Emerson added. "Safety and efficiency along US 67 have long been serious issues for travelers and truckers alike. Now, hopefully, we can put some of those fears to rest. I am grateful to my colleagues in the Senate for their support of the US 67 project. This is another way we are standing up for rural Missouri in Congress."

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the DOT, Senator Bond, along with Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson secured the $2,899,458 in federal funds for the US 67 project in the fiscal year 2004 Omnibus Appropriations bill. These dollars are part of a $5 million earmark Bond worked to include in the funding bill.

The funds will be used for improvements along the remaining two-lane stretch in 120 four-lane miles of US 67 in Butler County, which is located at the highway's interchange with US 60 near Poplar Bluff.

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.