Jan. 26, 2024 – The Missouri Limestone Producers Association reported that Gov. Mike Parson’s final State of the State address had some big items for the limestone and mining industries:
- $7 million to support mineral development. The long-term plan is to reshore mineral development and decrease dependence on China.
- Workforce Development: $54 million to support MoExcels workforce training programs on college campuses.
- Infrastructure: Missouri will receive a $90 million-plus Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant, the largest federal transportation grant Missouri has ever received, to support the Improve I-70 project.
- Parson announced his recommendation to establish the I-44 Improvement Fund. This fund will supplement the nearly $150 million already budgeted for expansion studies and congestion and safety improvements on I-44.