MoDOT director says roads safer but more money needed

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri Department of Transportation Director Pete Rahn says the department is more accountable and the state's roads are better but the department needs more money.

Speaking to lawmakers, Rahn says over the next 20 years, the public wants $37 billion worth of projects but there's likely to be only $19 billion to spend.

He says road projects have helped make Missouri's roads easier and safer for travel. Last year, annual roadway deaths dropped below 1,000 for the first time in more than a decade.

Rahn urges lawmakers to find money to pay for expanding Intestates 70 and 44, increasing Amtrak ridership and repairing state bridges.