Public Transportation Cuts Drastic in Missouri
Today, Governor Jay Nixon announced measures to balance the 2011 State of Missouri budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The cuts and withholds total $301.4 million. One of those measures is a restriction on the entire $3,040,713 general revenue appropriation for state transit assistance. The appropriation has not been vetoed, but the restriction is in place indefinitely. Depending on the state’s economic condition in the coming months, it is possible none of the funds will be released. This restriction places public transportation services in significant jeopardy. The Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) is continually seeking alternatives for public transportation funding, but until long-term sustainable resources are secured, transportation providers will be addressing funding shortfalls resulting from these restrictions locally. Certainly, these cuts will significantly hinder the ability of Missouri citizens to maintain employment, access essential services, particularly health care, and, for many, to maintain their independence.
The cuts to the 2011 state transit assistance program leaves only $560,875 in appropriated state transportation funds to distribute to Missouri’s urban and rural public transit provider agencies. For more information about the estimated distribution of these remaining SFY 2011 State Transit Assistance Program Funds, contact the MPTA office at 573-634-4314 or by e-mail at mpta_org@earthlink.net.