U.S. Sen. Christopher Bond urged quick action Thursday on the National Highway System bill, during a hearing of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Bond is a member of the subcommittee and an original co-sponsor of the bill.

"Missouri would benefit significantly from the passage of the NHS," said Bond. "Passage would bring approximately $156.4 million a year in federal highway funding; maintain and upgrade approximately 4,500 miles of Missouri's key roadways, including all 1,178 miles of interstate highways.

"In addition, it will connect important urban centers not currently served by an interstate highway and provide top quality, affordable service to rural communities."

During the hearing, Bond also raised concerns about the Department of Transportation's reorganization proposal and, specifically, its plan to combine all federal transportation monies into a unified fund.