Contact: Ernie Blazar 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Friday, July 26, 2002

ST. JOSEPH, MO - Senator Kit Bond today announced that he has secured approval for $2 million to help the City of St. Joseph, Missouri purchase 14 new buses and one support van.

The money is contained in the fiscal 2003 Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee bill, which passed an important legislative hurdle on Thursday. The full Senate Appropriations Committee approved Senator bond’s request for this money. The next step is for the full Senate to vote and approve the measure. After that, the bill must be reconciled with the version issued by the House of Representatives. Then, of course, it requires the President’s signature before becoming law.

“A strong economy depends upon modern and efficient transportation,” said Bond, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Public transportation helps the environment by keeping more cars off the road while also fighting traffic. It also provides important transportation for people of modest means who may not have a car.”

Bond made his remarks during a visit to the City of St. Joseph Bus facility today. The Senator was joined by Mayor David Jones, Mr. Vince Capell, City manager, Mr. Bruce Woody, Director of Public Works and Mr. Andy Clements, Assistant Director of Public Works.

Today’s announcement marks yet another installment in Bond’s effort to provide needed federal funds for Missouri’s continued economic growth. The Senator is committed to making sure that every community in Missouri has a sound, healthy environment with a good education and transportation system that will attract outside investment and well-paying jobs.

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