Story Published:
Apr 30, 2009 at 12:24 AM CDT
Story Updated:
Apr 30, 2009 at 10:55 AM CDT
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri House endorsed a spending plan for nearly $3 billion in federal economic stimulus funds. The vast majority of that - about $2.5 billion - would go for purposes earmarked by the federal government, such as energy efficiency programs, worker training and the redevelopment of foreclosed homes. Part of that is dependent upon Missouri winning competitive grants.
The House on Wednesday also embraced spending about $418 million in flexible stimulus funds. That includes nearly $112 million for a new Highway Patrol radio system that could help local emergency responders communicate with each other. The House plan also includes $12 million for the financially strapped Metro mass transit system in St. Louis.
The legislative package needs a final House vote to move to the
Senate.
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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The federal government approved $4.5 million in economic stimulus grants for projects at fish and wildlife conservation areas in Missouri. Sen. Claire McCaskill said Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Interior approved 10 habitat restoration and energy efficiency projects in Missouri.
The largest grant will provide nearly $2.9 million for a new visitor center at the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge in southeast Missouri. An additional $940,000 will go for solar power and an environmental design certification at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery.
The federal grants are awarded separately from the federal stimulus money that the Legislature is trying to decide how to spend.