By AP/KWMU
Washington, DC – The $318 billion highway bill that passed the U.S. Senate Thursday includes $50 million specifically for a new Mississippi River Bridge, just north of downtown.
Missouri Senator Kit Bond, who helped write the highway spending legislation, says that means other road projects won't have to compete as much for the rest of the money the state will get. The bridge has long been a top regional priority and considered first in line to get any federal highway money.
But the White House is threatening to veto the plan, saying the measure spends too much and risks more deficits.
The bill passed 76-21, which would be enough to override such a veto.
Backers say the plan would also create more than a million jobs. The White House, though, only wants a $256 billion highway bill.
The bill now goes to the House where some lawmakers say it's going to cost even more to improve the nation's infrastructure.
