JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon is considering a $1.5 million cut to the Tour of Missouri that organizers say could force the cancellation of the bicycle race in September. The Department of Economic Development recommended the cut this week in response to Nixon's request for agencies to identify savings in the state budget.

Nixon's spokesman, Jack Cardetti, said a decision on the cut will be made in several weeks. The state tourism division supplies just under half of the race's $3.3 million budget.

Medalist Sports of Georgia is managing the race. Company executive Chris Aronhalt says the $1.5 million already has been frozen by Nixon's administration. If the cut is finalized, he says it would force the cancellation of the race this year.

The race is not going through Springfield this year. Those closest town to Springfield on the route is Rolla.