Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Praises Budget’s Investment in Safe and Modern Transportation
JEFFERSON CITY– Gov. Matt Blunt today applauded members of the Missouri General Assembly for passing a budget funding several of his transportation priorities and makes valuable investment in safe and modern transportation.
“Since I took office, MoDOT has delivered 2,200 miles of safer, smoother and better roads; the budget passed today ensures they can build on that success,” Blunt said. “MoDOT’s new initiative will improve 5,600 miles of major highways over the next five years, and every Missourian will benefit from their effort.”
House Bill 4 provides, among other things the governor’s recommendations for:
- $403 million increase for road and bridge construction and maintenance
- $5.7 million increase for federal Transportation Enhancement Program funds to be used to enhance transportation options throughout the state
- $2 million increase for grants aimed at reducing death, injury, and property damage on state highways
- $800,000 increase to maintain twice-daily passenger rail service between St. Louis and Kansas City
- $700,000 increase for employment-related transportation to welfare recipients and other low-income individuals through the federal Job Access and Reverse Commute Transit Program
- $457,322 increase for additional transit grants to rural Missouri and small city transit systems that provide access to medical care, social services, and employment
- $300,000 increase for transportation services and public transportation alternatives to assist persons with disabilities through the federal New Freedom Transit Program
After all budget bills are passed and submitted to the governor, the governor’s office will conduct a full review of the state’s budget to ensure it remains balanced and accountable to taxpayers before taking any action on the bills.