Eagle Eye News On Demand

While Missouri lawmakers approved $577-million in funding last year to pave the way for I-44 expansion in Springfield, Joplin and Rolla, the state lacks the billions of dollars it needs to expand heavily-traveled I-44 from Joplin to St. Louis. Missouri lawmakers approved $2.8 billion in funding in 2023 to rebuild and expand I-70 from Wentzville to Blue Springs. House Majority Floor Leader Alex Riley (R-Springfield) told 939 the Eagle News in January that it would take about $10-billion to expand and rebuild I-44 statewide. Leader Riley says rebuilding and expanding I-44 would be more expensive due to numerous hills and more bridges than I-70. U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Springfield), who serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." Congressman Burlison tells listeners that I-44 must be expanded, adding that it's his top priority. He describes it as a bottlebeck and is also concerned about safety issues. Congressman Burlison hopes to obt