Mo. delays road bids because of federal funding

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri has postponed about $60 million worth of highway projects because of uncertainty about federal funding.

The Missouri Department of Transportation had solicited bids on 61 road and bridge projects that were due Friday. But on Thursday, the department canceled the bid opening.

If Congress fails to act soon, the department says it will have to evaluate if it can afford to go forward with projects due to be bid in March, April and May.

The uncertainty arose because the highway bill passed by Congress last year contains about one-fourth less funding annually than the previous highway program.

The U.S. Senate passed a bill this week that would boost highway funding. But the House and Senate have not agreed on a final version.