WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today voted in favor of
reauthorization of funding for America’s transportation infrastructure, HR 3, in the U.S. House of Representatives.  The legislation passed by a margin of 417-9.

 

“No one can drive Southern Missouri’s highways and claim they need no improvements.  Despite projects to strengthen Highway 60 and Highway 67, our other highways, bridges, rails, inland waterways and rural air service are in dire need of attention.  Our many transportation systems are valuable arteries for economic development.  Southern Missouri farmers and manufacturers depend on this infrastructure to get product to market, sell their goods, and bring their employees
to work,” Emerson said.

 

The House of Representatives passed the Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users Act last year, but the bill did not earn passage in the Senate.

 

“According to figures compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation, every $1 billion of federal investment in highway improvements creates or sustains 47,500 jobs and yields $500 million in new orders for the manufacturing sector,” Emerson said.  “Further delay in this legislation only means uncertainty for Missouri as we plan our projects for the fiscal year ahead.”