ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The Missouri Farm Bureau is pushing for the expansion of a major St. Louis interstate highway.
Ben Travlos, who is Director of State and Local Legislative Affairs with the Missouri Farm Bureau, says after finding success in getting Jefferson City legislatures to expand Interstate 70, they now are setting their sights on Interstate 44.
"(The Bureau) took the initiative at their annual meeting earlier this week to adopt policy to call for the expansion of I-44," said Travlos.
Travlos says they also want to see expansion coming to Interstate 57.
Travlos also says their successful push to see I-70 expanded frees up future dollars for other projects.
"Long term, 10-20 years down the road, the amount of dollars that should alleviate through that stiff process is going to be be unprecedented," said Travlos.
Travlos emphasizes that while they have lately been pushing for major highway expansion, their top priority remains smaller roadways.
"While yes we are supportive to I-70 and now I-44 and I-57, we are always going to prioritize rural road funding, our low volume and minor routes," said Travlos. "Those are the main road systems our members are traveling on."