Contact: Rob Ostrander 202-224-5721 Shana Stribling 202-224-0309
Tuesday, February 10, 2004

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Kit Bond today joined Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Associated General Contractors of America, and the American Road and Transportation Builders Association to rally in support of the federal highway bill.

"It is time to pass this bill and get our construction industry to work. Remember that every $1 billion spent on our highway infrastructure creates 47,500 high-paying jobs. But most of all, this bill will save lives. And we cannot put a price tag on that," said Bond, Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure EPW Subcommittee that co-authored the bill. "Americans overwhelmingly support increased investment in our roads and bridges. Its time to sign a highway bill into law."

The bi-partisan highway bill – the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2003 (SAFETEA) – is being debated on the Senate floor this week.

Bond stressed that this bill will give the country the infusion of jobs and increased access to markets the country needs. Also, Bond emphasized that it is past time that the serious safety issues on our nation’s roads and bridges are addressed.

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.