Contact: Rob Ostrander 202.224.7627 Dan Wadlington 417-889-1800
Friday, April 16, 2004

Washington, DC The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is sending more than $4 million to the state and local agencies to pay for highway improvements in Greene County secured by the work of U.S. Senator Kit Bond and Southwest Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt. More than $3.23 million will be used to continue joint develop of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) in Springfield. The ITS is a traffic management system that employs cameras, in-pavement traffic counting equipment, electronic sign boards and other devices that allow central management of Springfield’s traffic grid.

"These funds will significantly improve the transportation infrastructure in Greene County," said Senator Bond of today's announcement. "This project is not just about concrete and technology, it is about saving lives and improving the quality of life for Missouri families."

Blunt explained, “Principally, the funds will be used to build and equip a new Transportation Management Center in Springfield’s center city. The City of Springfield and Missouri Department of Transportation have collaborated to deploy the first operational Traffic Management Center in the state using Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) strategies. The aim is to enhance motorist safety through better communication and management of traffic flow. Employees from both agencies are working side-by-side to coordinate 235 traffic signals and monitor traffic flow at 100 signalised intersections using 26 closed circuit TV (CCTV) cameras.”

Funding for other projects released by DOT:

$231,957 for rehabilitation of the Pearson Creek bridge on Greene County Farm Road 148 which was completed earlier was secured through joint efforts with strong leadership from Senator Jim Talent.

$579,892 for planning improvements to the Interstate 44 & Highway 65 Interchange

"Transportation funding means jobs for Missouri," said Senator Talent. "Funding for the Pearson Creek bridge will create jobs now and protect our safety and economic prosperity in the future."

Because the Congress has not completed full funding for the current fiscal year, partial funding was provided (59 percent) for the projects. Additional funds would be provided when Congress completes work on the new Surface Transportation Act.