A state highway system lawmakers agree is underfunded would get an additional 70 miles to maintain in St. Louis under a bill tentatively approved in the House. And floor debate sparks an urban versus rural debate.Urban lawmakers complain their districts contribute the most highway tax revenue, and when Representative Kate Hollingsworth of Imperial suggests a study should be completed to find out exactly how much the St. Louis and Kansas City area generates, she meets resistance from Representative Randall Relford of Cameron. Rural lawmakers contend the study would only inflame the urban/rural fight and eventually deprive rural Missouri of projects they couldn’t afford without state help. Hollingsworth responds they don’t want to debate the issue, because they know they’re getting more than their fair share. The House narrowly defeats her measure, then gives the bill taking in 70 miles of St. Louis roads preliminary approval.
