MoDOT
Director Pleased Congress Passes Highway Bill
JEFFERSON CITY - The director of the Missouri Department of Transportation
said today he is pleased Congress has passed a federal transportation
bill. The legislation, which still must be signed by the
president, would authorize $286 billion nationwide until 2009.
Formally
known as the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation
Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, or SAFETEA-LU, the bill
provides funds to the states for highway construction and other
transportation and safety programs. Although the previous
act expired Sept. 30, 2003, Congress has extended the legislation
12 times in the past two years.
"We're
thrilled Congress has passed a federal reauthorization bill,"
said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn. "This legislation will enable
us to continue with our substantial transportation improvements,
including plans for nearly 800 critical highway and transit projects
over the next five years.
"I want to commend Missouri's congressional delegation for working
so hard to secure this vital funding for our roads, bridges and
public transit. Their efforts helped ensure we received
a good return on the money we pay in federal highway user fees."
Federal
transportation funds are provided largely by fuel taxes of 18.4
cents per gallon on gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon on diesel
fuel. This revenue is sent to Washington, and then distributed
by a formula back to the states. About two thirds of Missouri's
transportation funding for road and bridge construction comes to
the state through this legislation.
