Contact: Ernie Blazar 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Wednesday, July 23, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC –– U.S. Senator Kit Bond today announced that the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has approved almost $5 million in federal funds for Missouri transit projects.

"These dollars will help modernize and expand transportation across the state," said Bond. "When we invest in Missouri's transportation system we are investing in Missouri's future, which is why I will continue to be an advocate for increased funding for transportation – whether its for a highway, bridge, or bus project."

The Department of Transportation's FTA will send Missouri $4,778,352 in federal dollars for the following transit projects:

* $3,314,673 in federal dollars for the Bi-State Development Agency/Metro will be used for the St. Clair County, Illinois Metrolink light rail extension project. The project will connect communities in St. Claire County with communities throughout the St. Louis region. These dollars are in addition to the almost $3 million in federal funds Bond announced last month for Bi-State.

* $1,463,679 in federal dollars for St. Joseph. The funds will be used to purchase seven 30-foot transit buses and for maintenance costs.

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Bond secured these funds in the fiscal year 2003 Appropriations bill.

Bond served Missouri twice as Governor and now continues his service in his third term in the U.S. Senate.