WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today voted in favor of transportation legislation that promises $275 billion over the next six years for the nation’s highways and roads projects.  The Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, passed in the House of Representatives this afternoon by a vote of 357-65.

 

“Not only will the projects in this bill help get Missourians to their jobs – the construction will actually create jobs and stimulate our economy.  Our roads are crumbling beneath truck tires and the everyday traffic.  This legislation contains improvements to make our roads safer as well as more efficient,” Emerson said.

 

The legislation, H.R. 3550, contains specific funding for three major Southern Missouri projects: a four-lane upgrade to U.S. 60 and improvements to Route 67 in St. Francois County and I-44 in Phelps County.

“In Southern Missouri, our highways are our lifeline to our jobs, our healthcare, and the markets that consume the goods we produce.  Without reliable transportation infrastructure, our agriculture and manufacturing products wouldn’t reach store shelves,” Emerson said.  “This highway bill identifies transportation infrastructure as a priority of economic growth.  Highway 60, Route 67, and Route 44 will get the attention and repairs they need.”

 

Emerson represents Missouri’s rural Eighth Congressional District, which is the largest geographically in the state.

 

After its approval today, the bill moves on to consideration by the Senate, and then in a House-Senate conference. 

 

“It is my hope that the investment in our transportation infrastructure will improve as the process moves forward.  By the time the bill returns from conference, it should be even better for our area than this version of the bill,” Emerson added.