Wrap: An organization advocating safety of Missouri drivers is making presentations around the state to raise awareness about the current highway budget crisis.

Chairman, Bill McKenna says money lost is money taken away from vital safety amenities because they can afford only basic road maintenance.

The Department reported there was a decline in the number of traffic-related deaths in 2009 of an estimated 400 people, after a budget increase was passed seven years ago.

McKenna says if money is not raised the roads will detioriate. 

Reporting from the state Capitol I'm Becky May, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.

Wrap: This effort comes after Missouri's Transportation Department suffered a loss of nearly half its budget of $1.2 billion and has cut an estimated 300 workers.

Grace Nichols is the Department's Commission Chairwoman and says the budget will only cover basic maintenance of roads so additional help is being sought.

Wrap: Federal funds for Missouri roads and highways have run out and the Department is seeking additional funding in major cities in Missouri due to the cut of nearly half of its $1.2 billion budget.

Missouri's Transportation Department Commission Chair, Grace Nichols says they have been exploring all options to make up the lack of funds.

One cut MoDot has already taken is reducing its staff by 300 workers.

Reporting from the state Capitol I'm Becky May, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.