EMERSON PLEASED WITH HIGHWAY BILL

U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson says a House version of the federal highway bill discussed Thursday in the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation "bodes well for Missouri."

The 8th District congressman is one of the members on the Surface Transportation Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the new legislation proposed Thursday. The proposal will be formally introduced early next week.

The House version of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Infrastructure Act is a five-year, $153.5 billion program designed to develop a national intermodal transportation system through increased highway, bridge and infrastructure investment, added flexibility to states in determining the use of money in certain transportation projects, more coordination between competing modes of transportation and new approaches to moving people and goods.

Emerson, of Cape Girardeau, said he is pleased with a proposed change in the funding formula for individual states.

"Up until now," said Emerson, "Missouri has been shortchanged by only getting back about 75 cents on every gasoline tax dollar paid into the Highway Trust Fund. With this House plan, Missouri can gain a more equitable standing among the states than it currently holds.

"I believe the House version is a much fairer, equitable plan compared to the Senate's highway bill that passed last month."

Next Tuesday, the proposal goes to the Surface Transportation Subcommittee for full discussion and consideration. Emerson said he expects full committee consideration and House passage within three weeks.