Top Missouri lawmaker unveils $2.8B plan to expand I-70

By SUMMER BALLENTINE
Associated Press

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A powerful Missouri state senator has unveiled a $2.8 billion plan to widen Interstate 70 to at least three lanes across the state. The Senate Appropriations Committee chairman on Tuesday proposed paying for half of the project with bonds. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson earlier this year asked lawmakers for $860 million to expand the interstate in the most congested areas. Republican Sen. Lincoln Hough wants to go even further by setting aside money to complete the expansion of I-70 across the state. He says the state currently has little debt and the project could be transformative.