Bond, Rahn tout highway funding in Springfield

After two years of debate that included a 15-week filibuster, Congress July 29 passed a transportation bill that Bond pushed to give Missourians 98 cents for every dollar paid in transportation taxes. The bill is awaiting President Bush’s signature.

Bond and Missouri Department of Transportation Director Pete Rahn stopped in Springfield today as part of a statewide tour to call attention to the bill. More than $1.3 billion is allotted for Missouri highway funding over the next five years.

Bond earmarked $467.5 million for high-priority transportation projects statewide – at least $65 million of which is secured for southwest Missouri.

Dispersion of the funds includes: $20 million to widen lanes and eliminate dangerous areas of northbound Highway 13 in Polk and Greene counties - an area notorious for its deadly accidents; $20 million to expand Route 65 to four lanes between Route EE and I-44; $10 million to rebuild the Highway 60/Highway 65 interchange in Greene County; $10 million to widen Route 66 in Jasper County; and $6 million to update Route 14 between U.S. 160 and U.S. 65 in Christian County.

These projects are at “breakneck speed right now, and we’re going to continue that acceleration,” Bond said. He predicts construction will begin in two or three years.

Any remaining funds will be used for high-priority transportation needs, Rahn said.