Contact: Ernie Blazar 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Friday, June 13, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC –– U.S. Senator Kit Bond today announced that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved more than $10 million for improvements to Missouri airports.

"$10 million in federal dollars will make a real difference to improving the state of Missouri's airports," said Bond. "A modern transportation infrastructure will help strengthen our economy."

The following airport projects will receive $10,123,562 in DOT funds today:

* $8,279,357 for the State of Missouri's Block Grant Program. The funds will be used for development projects at airports in the state;

* $675,000 for Columbia Regional. The funds will be used to acquire aircraft rescue and fire fighting safety equipment. The airport's current aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicle targeted for replacement is a 1991 model that does not meet FAA criteria;

* $629,205 for Kansas City International. The funds will be used to acquire easement for noise compatibility. Tracts 92, 93, 105 and 158 are recommended for purchase in the KC Part 150 Noise Compatibility study;

* $450,000 for Kansas City. The funds will be used to conduct an environmental study. Part of the effort to meet FAA runway safety area standards will include filling a portion of the Missouri River floodway directly north of Runway 19. This 600 ft. extension into the floodway will necessitate and environmental analysis under current law;

* $90,000 for Joplin Regional. Funds will be used to conduct an environmental study. The project provides advance planning services for the new passenger terminal building, including terminal building design, surveys, geotechnical services and environmental reviews. The existing passenger terminal building is over 50 years old and is functionally outdated.