Contact: Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Monday, November 3, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC Senator Kit Bond announced today that he has secured approval for $11.5 million in federal funds for high priority Missouri landmarks, forest and wildlife projects.

"These funds will help care for some of Missouri's important landmarks, memorials and natural treasures," said Bond, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "It is our duty to protect and preserve the most beautiful parts of our state for future generations to enjoy."

Bond secured $11.5 million in federal funds for the following Missouri projects in the fiscal year 2004 Interior Appropriations bill. Passed last week by the House, the legislation will now go the President to be signed into law:

* $4.3 million to build a security perimeter at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial which consists of the landmark Gateway Arch, the Museum of Westward Expansion, and St. Louis' Old Courthouse. The perimeter is required to protect the landmark at a time of increased security threats related to the war against terrorism.

* $2 million for the George Washington Carver National Monument in Joplin which provides better educational opportunities for Missourians to learn about Carver's important contributions to the United States. Bond worked with Representative Blunt to secure these funds.

* $1 million for a "Wood to Energy" energy research program for the Missouri Forest Foundation.

* $1 million for construction at the Neosho Fish Hatchery.

* $750,000 for Mark Twain National Forest study. Project will study the potential environmental impact of lead mining in the region.

* $500,000 for U.S. Geological Service study. Project will study how best to protect the pallid sturgeon.

* $500,000 each (3) for land wildlife purchases in the Great River and Big Muddy Fish and Wildlife Refuges and the Mark Twain National Forest (total $1.5 million).

* $250,000 in funding for renovation of the Landers Theater in Springfield. Bond worked with Representative Blunt to secure these funds.

* $150,000 for restoration of the historic Memorial Cemetery in Ste Genevieve.

* $100,000 for renovation of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Columbia.