Contact: Ernie Blazar 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Wednesday, August 13, 2003

MARYVILLE, MISSOURI - Senator Kit Bond met today with local leaders from across Northwest Missouri to discuss their plans to expand the Northwest Missouri Regional- Maryville Memorial airport. During the meeting, Bond expressed his support for the project and pledged to enlist the federal government in support of the expansion plan.

"By expanding the airport, we expand business opportunities across Northwest Missouri," said Bond, a long-time supporter of expanding and improving transportation infrastructure as a way of attracting job-growth. "I am very impressed by the way local leaders have come together around this project."

Senator Bond was briefed by Maryville Mayor Ron Moss, members of the Maryville city council as well as members of the Maryville Airport Board on their long range plans to expand the local airport in an effort to enhance the region's ability to retain and attract business to Northwest Missouri.

The 2000 census counted some 10,581 residents of the City of Maryville with almost 22,000 throughout Nodaway County and 91,000 in the greater regional trade area.

Major employers in the area include Northwest Missouri State University, Energizer and Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing.

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.