By Kevin Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis – The state of Missouri could receive millions of dollars for various projects covered under a massive federal spending bill that cleared the U.S. House Monday.
Missouri Republican Senator Kit Bond says the $373 billion omnibus appropriation for 2004 includes more than $3 billion for veterans' health care, $1.5 billion for election improvements, and also funding for ongoing environmental cleanup programs.
"There's $50 million for lead paint poisoning prevention nationwide," Bond said. "there's $5 million for the city of St. Louis; there's another $500,000 that Mayor Slay requested at the last minute to get equipment."
The $5 million is the first installment of $15 million Bond promised for the city over three years.
The spending bill still requires Senate approval, which may happen next month.