Senator Christopher Bond, a key member of the Senate Transportation Committee, wants to get Missouri more highway money, and St. Louis officials hope it can be diverted to a major project spanning the Mississippi River. Authorities in both Missouri and Illinois say the new bridge could be under construction by 2005 if Congress comes through with $650-Million. The federal money would be matched by the states to not only complete the bridge, but tie it into the Interstate system, including the tri-level interchange that separates Interstates 55, 64 and 70 and improvements to I-70 in St. Louis. A spokesman for Bond has issued a caution. He says little of the federal transporation bill will earmark money for specific projects.
