EMERSON CALLS FOR RELEASE OF $10 BILLION IN HIGHWAY FUNDS

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In comments before the House Surface Transportation Subcommittee Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson called for the release of $10 billion in federal highway funds so that states like Missouri can begin taking full advantage of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991.

"ISTEA is the finest piece of domestic legislation that I have had the privilege of working on since I came to Congress," said Emerson, a member of the subcommittee and the full Public Works and Transportation Committee.

"This committee labored many hours in crafting a bill that would rebuild our nation's highways and bridges, give unprecedented flexibility to states in using federal funds, and just as important, put people back to work."

Emerson pointed out that in Missouri since the legislation was implemented, 7,000 jobs have been created.

"Construction crews are working, right of ways and easements are being purchased, and pavement is being poured," he said.

But Emerson contended that states have not been given the amount of federal money they were promised when the legislation passed because the appropriations process has not authorized the full amount of highway trust fund money that is available.

"We put together one of the most comprehensive transportation bills ever passed, but we cannot get the needed funds for the states as originally approved in the authorization bill," noted Emerson.

"The state of Missouri took Congress at its word based on the funding levels set in ISTEA. The people of my state passed a 6-cent motor fuel tax increase, which was predicated on matching an increased federal program. Missouri also developed a comprehensive 15-year plan outlining the state's projects over the long run. These funding losses compromise Missouri's ability to keep their end of the bargain in undertaking these projects."

The highway law authorizes future improvements to many roads and bridges in Southern Missouri, including Highways 60, 63 and 412. Emerson pointed out that many of those areas of work are on schedule, but they are awaiting additional federal funds already authorized but not appropriated.