SCHWAB ENDORSES STATE'S HIGHWAY PLAN

JACKSON - State Rep. David Schwab, R-Jackson, said Sunday he will support the proposed Missouri Transportation Tax Plan because of the benefits it would provide to this area and the entire state.

"This plan gives Cape Girardeau County more bridge construction projects, more road improvements, more new road construction; (it) provides our community and region with new economic growth, jobs, greater safety for our families, and will allow us to get our fair share of tax dollars," said Schwab.

Although he's opposed new taxes during his three years in the legislature, Schwab said he's confident the transportation tax revenue would be money well-spent. He said Missouri has one of the nation's lowest gas taxes, but must maintain one of the largest highway systems.

Schwab said the Missouri Highway and Transportation Dept. has shown it can make efficient use of limited resources. He said the department's efficiency and its track record with the successful Proposition A program are further indications that the additional revenue would be spent wisely.

Last week the highway department proposed a 6-cent fuel tax increase to be phased in over the next five years. The additional revenue will enable Missouri to match all available federal highway money and make massive improvements in the state highway system over the next 15 years.

Schwab is a member of the House Transportation Committee that will hold a hearing on the bill at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Jefferson City.

"Unless we raise revenue to meet the new federal matching requirements, we stand to lose $9.2 billion of our hard earned tax dollars and the jobs, safety, and economic boost that goes with it," Schwab said. "I believe that we have a real need for that money and the benefits it will bring."

All too often, Schwab noted, Southeast Missouri and the entire state, fails to receive its fair share of federal tax dollars.

But this plan "will guarantee" $12.6 billion in federal money "will come back to our state, and most importantly, to our community," he said.

Schwab said the overall plan is a significant investment in the state's future.

The representative acknowledged that there had been some discussion over whether the fuel tax increase should go to a vote of the people or be implemented by legislative action. Legislative leaders have called for quick action, without a public vote.

"I am not opposed to putting the issue on the ballot, but I am also not afraid to use my judgment and discretion that I was elected to use," said Schwab.

"This issue does not provide new taxes for more bureaucracy, but instead captures federal funds we worked for, and we will decide how to spend them to provide for new roads, bridges, jobs, economic development and safety. I feel the majority of the people in my district, and in this community, are, or will, be supportive of this program."

Schwab contended that some of the individuals who are pushing for a vote of the people "are putting up a smoke screen" to delay the plan long enough to change it to favor their own needs. "We need to act now, for the public's best interest," he added.

Schwab said the list of projects to be funded by the additional money was developed by the highway department based on need, rather than politics.

"I feel we must act now. We must allow the Legislature to carry out their responsibility to the people by enacting this program," he said.

Among the projects that would directly benefit his 158th district, Schwab said, is acquisition of right-of-way for the eventual four-lane construction of Highways 25, 34, and 72.

Initially, the highways would become improved two-lane roads and relocated, where necessary, to provide a more direct route. Highway 25 would be improved from Jackson to Malden; 34 from Jackson to Van Buren; and 72 from Jackson to Fredericktown.

Highway 34 also would be improved in Jackson's west city limits to Highway 25.

Other projects in this area would include: construction of an I-55 interchange at Route E near Oak Ridge; an improved east outer road between Scott City and Nash Road, an extension of Nash Road into the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority, completion of a four-lane Highway 60 to Springfield; improvements to all state-maintained, lettered highways; and replacement of numerous bridges.

"These projects will give better and safer access to the Cape Girardeau-Jackson area for trade and commerce," said Schwab.

"With improved highways our economy should receive a short-term boost from construction and a long term gain from easier access to our community and region."