Contact: Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Monday, October 6, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Kit Bond today announced that the United States Department of Commerce (DOC) will send Missouri almost $300,000 in federal funds for state universities and local governments.

"Today's dollars will help these universities and communities improve the quality of public services Missourians receive," said Bond.

The DOC will send Missouri $291,449 for the following projects:

* Curators of the University of Missouri-Columbia - The Curators of the University of Missouri-Columbia will receive an $80,217 grant for the University Center Technical Assistance Program.

* Central Missouri State University - The Central Missouri State University Broadcasting Services will receive a $63,045 grant from the DOC's National Telecommunications and Information Office. The funds will be used to improve the transmission facilities of KTBG, 90.9 MHz in Warrensburg by purchasing a digital-compatible transmitter, STL and remote control system.

* Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments - The Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments in Perry will receive a $51,000 grant for economic development planning.

* Lake of the Ozarks Council of Local Governments - The Lake of the Ozarks Council of Local Governments will receive a $51,000 grant for economic development planning.

* University of Missouri System - The University of Missouri System will receive a $46,187 grant from the DOC's National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The funds will be used to improve the transmission facilities of KUMR, 88.5 MHz in Rolla by purchasing a transmitter.

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.