HOUSE PANEL, EMERSON BACK HIGHWAY BILL

WASHINGTON -- A bill that would set aside about $250 million for high-priority highway projects in Missouri has been endorsed by a House transportation panel.

Co-sponsor of the Intermodel Surface Transportation Infrastructure Act of 1991 better known as the Highway Bill is U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau.

Emerson called the bill "a fresh approach to fulfilling our nation's transportation needs.

"We are in dire need of addressing infrastructure problems, such as repairing roads and upgrading bridges. This proposal does that in a way that is fair to everyone who uses state and federal highways. I am proud to put my name on the measure."

The bill was approved Tuesday by the House public works subcommittee on surface transportation, of which Emerson is a member. The full committee will consider the measure on Thursday.

The bill calls for a 5-cent-per-gallon increase in gasoline tax to finance transportation projects.

Included in the proposed bill are several Missouri projects, including:

A change in the Federal Highway Funding Formula that will nearly double the state's current level of highway funding.

$50 million for improvements of a north-south corridor along U.S. 71 in Southeast Missouri.

$1.5 million to study the feasibility of a new coast-to-coast interstate highway, known as I-66.

Funding earmarked for economic development projects for southern Missouri to enhance and attract business and industry.

$200 million for upgrading several highways between St. Louis and St. Paul, Minn. to establish an "Avenue of Saints."

Emerson said residents in the 8th Congressional District will directly benefit if the bill becomes law.

"It helps provide the foundation for southern Missouri, the rest of the state, and the country to improve access to ports and airports and enhance the link to the world economy," he said. "Provisions contained in this highway bill are long overdue."

Under the legislation, any money earmarked for special projects along the high-priority corridors would be in addition to a state's regular share of federal highway funding.