Contact: Ernie Blazar 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Thursday, June 5, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC –– U.S. Senator Kit Bond today announced that the Department of Transportation (DOT) will send Lambert-St. Louis International Airport more than $23 million in federal funds.

“Investing in Lambert International is investing in the economic future for St. Louis,” said Bond who has secured significant funds for Lambert as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee. "Not only will these funds be good St. Louis' economy, but travel to and from St. Louis will be more efficient and most importantly, safer."

The DOT's Federal Aviation Administration has approved $23,469,455 for the following Lambert-St. Louis International Airport improvements:

* Runway Construction $10,000,000

* Noise Mitigation for residences $5,000,000

* Easement for Noise Compatibility $4,469,455

* Noise Mitigation for Public Buildings $4,000,000

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee and senior Senator from Missouri, Bond has secured millions of dollars for the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport over the past fiscal years. The funds have gone for a number of projects and improvements, including equipment, air traffic control towers, cable loop re-location, TRACON and runway expansion to name a few.

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.