Emerson: State roads dangerous

Rep. Jo Ann Emerson

Missouri roads are intolerable and immediate action is needed to mend them, says U.S. Rep. JoAnn Emerson.

"The quality of Missouri's highway system affects every resident of the state, from daily commuters to local small businesspeople," Emerson said. "No matter the thoroughfare, Whether I-55 or Highway 60, I am all to accustomed to a deteriorating interstate system and dangerous two-laned highways.

The Republican lawmaker added, "It is frustrating to that that my constituents must deal with these conditions every day and that my communities must try to attract businesses without the benefits of efficient and safe local infrastructure."

Emerson said 59 percent of Missouri's roads have been rated either as poor or mediocre. Only California and Massachusetts have more deficient roads. Missouri's 23,385 bridges are rated as the second most deficient bridges in the country.

The Federal Highway Administration has estimated truck travel will increase by 89 percent in the Midwest by 2020. "This clearly demonstrates that Missouri's transportation system is bad and facing even more challenges in the future," said Emerson, who warned, "Mending our roads will only get more difficult over time; we need immediate action now."

Emerson said Congress will soon take up reauthorization of the federal Highway Bill, a multi-billion dollar transportation measure which likely will be the largest public works bill of the decade.

Emerson pledged to work with Missouri Senators Christopher "Kit" Bond and Jim Talent toward construction of an equitable Highway Bill, one in which the state can get its fair share of federal highway moneys.

While a fair share would boost Missouri's transportation resources, it will not address many of its needs, "the ailments affecting our roads reach too many miles," Emerson said.

She said one way to help Missouri and other cash-strapped states acquire adequate transportation funding is the Build America Bonds Acts. Originally introduced by Sen. Talent, the initiative would create a $50 billion increase in new funding for highways, railroads, mass transit, aviation and shipping through use of federally backed bonds.

State or local grant recipients taking part in the program would be required to provide matching funds which would be spent on various transportation project, said Emerson. "A new and innovative approach, this bond proposal is getting a lot of attention from those who, like me, believe we need the financial resources to do more than just maintain existing roads."

Missouri's communities are waiting for transportation projects that can amplify the economic potential in their respective areas, she said. "A complete four-lane structure across Southern Missouri would bring new opportunities to dozens of communities," Emerson declared. "However, visions of more prosperous communities will remain a dream unless the state is provided the necessary resources for new highway construction."