Defining a three-letter word becomes a discussion point when it comes to providing two-billion dollars for highway work. The two-billion dollar bond issue approved by the Senate would be for new construction on Missouri highways. It’s the definition of “new” that raises a question for sponsor Jim Mathewson from Senator David Klarich…after Mathewson says “new” could mean “new asphalt” as well as “new bridge.” The legislature will have a chance to make its own interpretation of “new” each year if this bond issue is approved. The transportation department would have to have legislative approval of its bond issue projects each year before money could be spent. The House and Senate have to agree on other wording too, before any money is available.
