Contact: Ernie Blazar 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Saturday, March 8, 2003

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO - Senator Kit Bond today announced that he, along with Representative JoAnn Emerson, secured $500,000 for the Southeast Missouri Transportation Service (SMTS) in the fiscal year 2003 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which was recently signed into law.

“I am glad Representative Emerson and I were able to secure additional funds for SMTS," said Bond. "These dollars will boost access to a number of critical services for Southeast Missouri’s elderly, disabled and low-income residents."

This year's $500,000 in federal funds are in addition to $1.2 million Bond and Emerson secured for SMTS in the previous fiscal year for the acquisition of a new regional administration office and maintenance facility.

For 30 years, SMTS has served elderly, disabled and low-income residents in need of transportation services in Southeast Missouri. The SMTS now serves over 7,000 riders in 26 counties. The 125 buses and vans give residents access to a number of services, including dialysis, medical services, shopping, nutrition, visiting loved ones in local extended care facilities, training, employment and other personal trips.

Bond served Missouri twice as Governor and now continues his service to Missourians in the United States Senate.