FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Paula Hertwig Hopkins, Assistant City Manager - (573) 874-7214

Federal omnibus appropriations bill includes more than $1.6 million for city transportation projects

COLUMBIA, MO (March 16, 2009) - City officials learned last week that the federal FY 2009 omnibus appropriations includes $1,662,500 for two transportation projects in Columbia – the construction of the COLT railroad overpass on Highway 63 and the East Columbia Transportation Extension to I-70. Senator Kit Bond had targeted $950,000 for the COLT overpass. Former Congressman Kenny Hulshof had targeted an additional $475,000 for the COLT project and $237,500 for the East Columbia Transportation Extension to I-70 project, which includes extension of Stadium Boulevard to Lake of the Woods. All three budget items were included in the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which was signed by President Obama last week.

Mayor Darwin Hindman said that Bond and Hulshof were instrumental in obtaining funds for these projects. “Long before there was a stimulus bill in the works, Senator Bond and former Congressman Hulshof were working to secure funding in the Omnibus bill,” said Hindman. I want to publicly thank them for all they have done to help move along these important projects.”

According to City Manager Bill Watkins, the funding for the COLT overpass has come at a particularly important time. The COLT project has been the top priority on the city and Boone County’s joint federal projects list for several years. “The current rail crossing has become increasingly hazardous as both rail and highway traffic have increased in that area. Thanks to the support of Senator Bond and former Congressman Hulshof, we can get a jumpstart on this potentially life-saving project,” said Watkins. Total cost of the COLT railroad overpass is estimated at $9 million.

According to Watkins, maintaining the 21-mile COLT railroad spur is important to Columbia’s economy. “There is a misconception that the COLT only delivers coal to the city’s power plant, but it also serves industrial businesses along Route B and stops at a ‘transload’ warehouse facility that stores equipment and supplies for a variety of Columbia businesses,” said Watkins.

The extension of Stadium Boulevard (Missouri Highway 740) from Highway 63 to I-70 at Lake of the Woods has been identified as an important project since 1991. According to Watkins, the extension of Stadium will improve traffic, public safety and access.

“As the corridor between Columbia and Jefferson City continues to grow, an alternate route around the I-70 and Highway 63 connector is needed to relieve traffic congestion and improve access to our medical facilities, the University of Missouri and our downtown,” said Watkins.

Total cost of the Stadium/740 extension is estimated at $40 million. The East Columbia Transportation Extension Project also includes improvement projects to Ballenger Lane and Highway WW.

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