The Missouri Senate is looking to overhaul the resources used in infrastructure through Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz.
Third-lowest in the nation, Missouri’s 17-cent fuel tax is unable to adequately contribute to the funding required to maintain the state's roadways. For the current year, the State Senate is looking to spend $50 million and ask for an additional $300 million, depending on funding from the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America program.
“We are quickly reaching a funding crisis for our state’s transportation system,” Daniel P. Mehan, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the largest business association in Missouri, said in a press release. “It is unfortunate that Missouri is faced with borrowing money and redirecting general revenue for transportation, but we must take these extraordinary measures. We applaud the Senate leadership for working to ensure [that] our roads and bridges are safe and open for commerce."
Daniel P. Mehan, president and CEO, Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Infrastructure is one of the four main parts to the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Missouri 2030 plan. Governor Mike Parson wants to use bonding for immediate infrastructure needs.
"The Missouri business community remains deeply concerned about the future of our transportation system," Mehan said. "As a central state, our economy is dependent on our connections. It’s very important that the Missouri General Assembly finalize this essential transportation funding this year while also continuing the discussion about ways to invest in our system for the future.”