JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission has approved another 12 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects, bringing the total number awarded in Missouri to 111.  The 12 projects total $71.9 million and will support an estimated 1,981 jobs.

The work includes repairing and replacing bridges, widening and resurfacing roadways, installing and repaving highway shoulders and upgrading curbs and sidewalks to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.  A portion of the funding will go toward building a new welcome center on Interstate 55 in New Madrid. 

"We understand the intent of this funding and that is to put money into the economy and put people to work," Missouri Department of Transportation Director Pete Rahn said.  "From the first day, we have taken advantage of the recovery act funding to help Missouri's economy.  The projects we are able to tackle with this additional revenue will also make our transportation system safer and more efficient."

Effective planning and increased competition in the construction industry resulted in the projects coming in 19.2 percent under budget saving the state more than $17 million.

More information on the recovery act projects can be found at www.modot.org/readytogo.

#  #  #

Editor's note:  Here is the list of economic stimulus projects awarded July 8.

County                                 Route                   Description                                                              Award                                                                                                                                                                                         Amount

Boone                          740                  Asphalt resurfacing                                   $ 1,682,289

Buchanan                     AC                   Resurfacing, construct right turn lanes          $ 1,937,843

Clay                             169                  ADA upgrades                                          $ 1,116,659

Clay                             1                      ADA upgrades                                          $ 1,219,949

Franklin                        44                    Grading, coldmilling and new pavement       $17,377,494

Greene                         65                    Three projects that include repaving,           $26,943,391

                                                           shoulders, grading, bridge replacement and

                                                           bridge rehabilitation

New Madrid                  I-55                   Welcome center building, grading, paving    $  5,356,866

St. Louis City               I-70                    Resurfacing, bridge rehabilitation, lighting   $  5,092,878

                                                            ADA upgrades, drainage, signals, signing

Taney                          76                     ADA upgrades                                           $   680,159