04 Dec 2012

2013 Official Missouri Travel Guide Now Available

By Stephen Foutes

Jefferson City, Mo. – If the approach of winter doesn't already have you thinking about your summer vacation, the 2013 Official Missouri Travel Guide certainly will.

The Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) has published its 2013 Official Missouri Travel Guide, a carry-along travel-planning tool for visitors seeking information about the Show-Me State's incredible lineup of attractions and destinations. The cover is an inviting scene showing a couple enjoying a beautiful sunset over the Lake of the Ozarks.

This annual publication offers information on thousands of Missouri tourism assets - from public tours and museums to live-show venues and ziplines - plus lodging options, golf courses, wineries, breweries, campgrounds, canoe outfitters and Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites.

"The Missouri Travel Guide continues to be a popular and useful tool for travelers to enjoy," says Katie Steele Danner, MDT's director. "Missouri has a diverse tourism industry, and we're pleased to share the Show-Me State with future visitors."

You can pick up a 2013 Official Missouri Travel Guide at a variety of locations across Missouri, including MDT's seven Official Welcome Centers, MDT's Affiliate Welcome Centers, local chambers of commerce, and convention and visitors bureaus. Call 800-519-4800 to order a copy of the guide, and you can order online at VisitMO.com.

In addition to listings of tourism-related businesses around Missouri, the Travel Guide includes color photos and feature stories on Missouri's vacation regions. Other content focuses on made-in-Missouri products, regional dining options (with many favorites selected by MDT's Facebook fans), and genealogy-research facilities.

For more information about the 2013 Official Missouri Travel Guide, or to schedule an interview with Tourism Director Katie Steele Danner, please contact Stephen Foutes at Stephen.Foutes@ded.mo.gov or call 573-751-3208.


About the Missouri Division of Tourism
The Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) is the official tourism office for the state of Missouri dedicated to marketing Missouri as a premier travel destination. Established in 1967, the Missouri Division of Tourism has worked hard to develop the tourism industry in Missouri to what it is today, an $11.2 billion industry supporting more than 279,000 jobs and generating $627 million in state taxes in Fiscal Year 2011. For every dollar spent on marketing Missouri as a travel destination in FY11, $57.76 was returned in visitor expenditures. For more information on Missouri tourism, go to www.VisitMO.com.

26 Nov 2012

Galena/Jo Daviess County CVB - Night of Luminaria is set to glow in downtown Galena

By Celestino Ruffini

December 15 event transforms the city into a winter wonderland

GALENA, Ill. - Watch Galena come alive with the glow of thousands of luminaries on this special winter night, Saturday, December 15. Take part in this Galena tradition by helping to set out luminary bags during the day or assist in lighting the candles before the spectacle begins. Later in the evening, relax and enjoy the magical winter wonderland scene as night falls. It is a must see event!

Night of Luminaria is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and romantic visions of the year. From Galena's Main Street to the hills overlooking the park, all of town will be glowing. Enter a land of enchantment on this night when you see more than 5,000 candle-lit luminaries on streets, steps and sidewalks.

Whether you drive the streets of Galena, walk the sidewalks, take a trolley or enjoy a carriage ride, you'll be amazed at the sights. Walk through Grant Park on Galena's eastside or take in a gorgeous view from Prospect Street as you look across downtown Galena.

Local businesses offer extended hours of operation on this night, so take advantage of it and wrap up your holiday shopping. Afterwards, warm up as you enjoy a candlelit dinner at one of many local restaurants.

For further event information, visit www.galenachamber.com, e-mail office@galenachamber.com or call 815.777.9050. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or by calling 877.464.2536. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. (corner of Park Avenue) for on-site assistance and countywide information.

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26 Nov 2012

Governor Quinn Reminds Travelers to Think of Safety First

By Ryan C. Woods

Police will be Out in Force Across Illinois to Keep Roads Safe, Cracking Down on Impaired Drivers and Enforcing Seat Belt Laws

CHICAGO - November 21, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today reminded Thanksgiving holiday travelers to think of safety first while traveling on the state's busy roadways this weekend. Millions of drivers are expected on state highways over this Thanksgiving holiday and Illinois transportation and law enforcement officials are mounting a statewide crackdown to bust impaired drivers and make sure drivers and passengers are buckling up on every trip.

"Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to be with family and friends and take stock of our blessings," Governor Quinn said. "But it's also a time when roadways can be more dangerous. That's why everyone who is traveling during the holiday week should remember to buckle up each time, and never, ever allow an impaired driver to get behind the wheel."

The statewide "Drive to Survive" crackdown, sponsored by the Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDOT) Division of Traffic Safety, involves Illinois State Police (ISP) and nearly 300 local law enforcement agencies across Illinois. The campaign focuses on the deadly nighttime hours when data shows more vehicle occupants die in crashes than during any other time of day. Due to this trend, late night motorists throughout Illinois will see roadside safety checks, seat belt enforcement zones and other police saturation patrols looking for seat belt law violators and drunk drivers.

Traffic safety officials are also concerned about the high number of people who die unbuckled during nighttime hours. Studies show that an average of less than one-third of occupant fatalities are restrained properly using seat belts between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. During daytime hours, seat belt usage increases substantially, with 62 percent of vehicle occupant fatalities properly restrained. This lack of belt use means far too many people are dying on Illinois roadways, particularly during nighttime hours when alcohol often is involved.

IDOT and the Illinois Tollway are also reminding drivers to focus on the road at all times and that it's illegal to text or check email while driving in Illinois.

During the 2011 Thanksgiving holiday eight people died in traffic crashes on Illinois roadways over the five day period and 839 were injured. Of the eight individuals who were killed, four died in crashes where at least one driver had been drinking.

Statewide, year to date, 854 people have died on Illinois roadways, according to a provisional count maintained by IDOT.

For more information about IDOT's traffic safety enforcement campaigns and safety data, please visit http://www.trafficsafety.illinois.gov./.

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26 Nov 2012

Last Chance! Register to travel to Germany with GAHC by December 1st!

By GAHC
Dear Friend,

We would love for you to go to Germany with us here at the German American Heritage Center! But we need your registration by December 1st for our August 2013 trip!
Trip Details
Visit our website for more information:

Travel Agent Contact:
Blue Horizon Travel
Linda Meadors (309) 912-4888

Don't Hesitate! Call Today!
20 Nov 2012

See Our CR This Holiday Season

By Jennifer PIckar

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - We invite you to see our Cedar Rapids this holiday season! Make a point to visit the area's newly opened restaurants and attractions including NewBo City Market, Paramount Theatre and the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. From theatre to festivals, mansion tours to music, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy with a number of great holiday offerings including:

NewBo City Market Holiday Markets

11/24/2012 - 12/30/2012

NewBo City Market

On Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, NewBo City Market hosts a variety of seasonal vendors in addition to a great list of full-time anchor merchants.

Read More

Brucemore's Holiday Mansion Tours

11/23/2012 - 12/30/2012

Brucemore

Throughout the mansion, visitors will enjoy the seasonal splendor of glowing trees, a dining room set for Christmas dinner, stunning mantel arrangements, the lush garland adornment of the grand staircase, and other holiday cheer. 
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Meet Me In St. Louis by Theatre Cedar Rapids

11/23/2012 - 12/15/2012
Theatre Cedar Rapids

Join the Smith family at the 1904 World's Fair, and see how their love and respect for each other is tempered with the genuine humor that can only be generated by such a special family. 
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Old Prague Christmas Market

11/30/2012 - 12/01/2012
Czech Village area

A celebration of Sv. Mikuláš (St. Nicholas) Day! Outdoor holiday shopping, fire juggling, music, hot food, children's activities and more. This unique event, presented by the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library brings festive shopping of international treasures and artisan gifts to Cedar Rapids.
Read More

Nature's Noel

12/01/2011 
Indian Creek Nature Center
Centerpieces, wreaths and swags made with fresh greens; frozen soups and appetizers; vendors with various handmade wares; cookie dough and candy; and live music combine to create a festive holiday event. 
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Fire and Ice Festival

12/01/2011 
Downtown Cedar Rapids
A chili challenge in the Armstrong Food Court, lighted holiday parade, carriage rides, Santa Meet and Greet along with the return of the always popular Ugly Holiday Sweater party are just a few of day's highlights!

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Orchestra Iowa presents The Nutcracker

12/01/2012 - 12/02/2012
Paramount Theatre/Orchestra Iowa

Three performances featuring Ballet Quad Cities at the recently re-opened Paramount Theatre.
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Christmas in the Park and Peppermint Walk

12/07/2011 
City Square Park, Marion

Activities will include the lighting of the Community Peace Tree, live holiday music, horse-drawn carriage rides, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus by fire engine. 
Read More

Holiday Time in Santa's Workshop

12/08/2011 
Ushers Ferry Historic Village
You'll enjoy breakfast in the Hotel, baking and decorating in the Telephone House, and toy making in the Town Hall. Don't forget to have your photo taken with Santa Claus!

Read More

Find these events and so many more at www.Cedar-Rapids.com.

About the Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CRACVB) is where the experience starts for visitors, residents and organizations. The CRACVB is responsible for attracting new destination events to the community, providing service and support to existing and repeat events, providing comprehensive information to area visitors and helping drive decisions of future visitor product development. Locally the organization encourages community pride and educates the community on the value of visitors, tourism and travel. Tourism resulted in domestic travel spending of $440 million in Linn County in 2011 and employed 5,600 people in Linn County. For more information about the CRACVB visit: www.cedar-rapids.com

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16 Nov 2012

Illinois Approves Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail Corridor

By Ryan C. Woods

Tier 1 EIS Decision Expected in December on Historic Transportation Project

SPRINGFIELD -November 15, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have signed and issued the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the full build-out of the Chicago-St. Louis high-speed rail corridor. The EIS advances the identification of preferred alternatives, including the Rock Island Corridor as the recommended route between Joliet and Chicago and a Tier 2 project-level evaluation for the Springfield Rail Improvement Project, which recommended a consolidated train route along 10th Street through Springfield. The document will now be available to the public and a potential Record of Decision could be issued at the end of December.

"This historic achievement advances the crucial Chicago-St. Louis high-speed rail project while signifying that all environmental impacts and route alternatives have been analyzed to determine the best option," Governor Quinn said. "Today's issuance of the EIS demonstrates Illinois' steadfast diligence and partnership with the federal government, Senator Dick Durbin, communities along the route, private rail partners and other key supporters to move this project forward as quickly as possible."

The Tier 1 EIS includes IDOT's preferred Chicago-Joliet route?the Rock Island Corridor (RIC) instead of the existing route?the Heritage Corridor. The $1 billion estimated cost for upgrading the RIC is $500 million less than for the Heritage, mainly because fewer grade separations would be needed. The EIS also represents significant progress on the next stage of high-speed rail after upgrades to the Dwight-Alton portion of the corridor (expected as early as 2015) and the Dwight-Joliet section (anticipated to be complete in 2017) are finished.

"We are one step closer to the Tenth Street corridor in Springfield," U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) said.  "Our community-wide efforts and the Springfield meeting we arranged with federal, state and local officials last year put us on the 'right track': Tenth Street."

"I was thrilled to sign this historic document, which represents thousands of hours spent by our staff and contractors researching and using environmental, scientific and engineering evidence along with public input to determine the most logical and effective routes for Chicago-St. Louis high-speed rail passenger service," Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider said. "Today marks a major milestone in our pursuit to advance the project, and we hope it results with a Record of Decision from the federal government in the next couple of months."

The Tier 1 EIS focuses on double-tracking the entire line, while the Tier 2 EIS pinpoints two alternatives along the existing 10th Street rail corridor as finalists to carry the high-speed trains through Springfield. A series of statewide public hearings were held by IDOT and the FRA this year to seek comments on the Draft EIS. To view a copy of the EIS online, please visit idothsr.org.

"The approval from IDOT represents a major step forward for the project and indicates we will receive a favorable Record of Decision in December," Springfield Mayor Mike Houston said.

EIS approval is a process required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for federal projects that might significantly impact the environment. The EIS is required to complete the full build-out of the project, including double-tracking and route improvements between Joliet and Chicago and through the city of Springfield.

"This is welcome news that IDOT and the FRA have approved the final Tier I EIS, which reflects the selection of 10th Street Corridor for high-speed rail through Springfield," Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter said. "We are excited about the opportunities this will bring to our community and wish to thank Senator Durbin, Governor Quinn and Secretary Schneider for their vision and continued support in moving this forward as rapidly as they have.  We look forward to the Record of Decision in December when, with IDOT's help, we can start the design phase of the project."

Under the leadership of Governor Quinn, Illinois has received more than $1.4 billion in federal funding to develop high-speed service between Chicago and St. Louis, which is expected to significantly reduce travel times between the two cities and create about 6,200 direct and indirect jobs. The Governor's Illinois Jobs Now! capital program has contributed $42 million toward construction. The first trains traveling at 110 mph made their successful debut between Dwight and Pontiac during a demonstration run in October.

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16 Nov 2012

Lights, Parade and Magic Will Liven Up Holiday Season in St. Louis

By Donna Andrews

ST. LOUIS - With several festive and fun events taking prominence on the holiday calendar, the upcoming weeks are going to be a whirlwind of activity in St. Louis.

Lights Will Delight

From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, the Macy's Festival of Lights officially kicks off the season at Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis. There will be festive performances, fun characters for the kids, the lighting of the huge Christmas tree, downtown lights, a fireworks show and a visit from Santa.

After the lighting of the tree, the fun continues at Macy's Holiday Open House. Located inside Macy's Downtown St. Louis, the open house will feature a holiday sing-along with Baker's Songs for Children, Christmas cookie decorating with Schnucks Bakery, face painters, jugglers, a magician, holiday crafts, giveaways, and, of course, Santa himself!

A Thanksgiving Day Tradition

Celebrating its 28th year, the 2012 Ameren Missouri Thanksgiving Day Parade will step off at 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, November 22 from the corner of Washington Avenue and Fourth Street in downtown St. Louis. The parade will be broadcast live on KMOV-TV Channel 4's "Great Day St. Louis."

The annual Ameren Missouri Thanksgiving Day Parade is hosted by Christmas in St. Louis along with presenting sponsor Ameren Missouri. The parade charitable recipients are the Joshua Chamberlain Society www.chamberlainsociety.org and the National Children's

Cancer Society http://www.thenccs.org/. Honorary grand marshals are Jackie Joyner-Kersee (Olympic champion), Jeffrey P. Bonner (President and CEO of the Saint Louis Zoo) and Adrian E. Bracy (Chief Executive Officer for the YWCA Metro St. Louis).

Magic Time in St. Louis

St. Louis Holiday Magic is a holiday tradition coming to the America's Center on November 23-25. McDonalds is the presenting sponsor.

Once again, the show will be a popular destination for families in search of shopping and entertainment options such as: hands-on arts and crafts projects; trackless train rides; live music and dance performances; full-scale carnival rides; and photo opportunities with Santa and Snowflake.

Produced by the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission, Holiday Magic is a unique shopping and entertainment destination for families throughout the region. For more information, visit www.stlouisholidaymagic.com.

Historic Holiday Kick Off

It will be an historic holiday season as the National Park Service presents a series of festive events starting with two November 23 concerts by the St. Louis Brass Quintet and The Caroling Party.  Other events include The St. Louis Holiday Historic House Tour on November 29, Historic Holiday Noon Concert (every Wednesday, November 28-December 19), the 772 St. Louis Holiday Program December 8, the 1812 St. Louis Holiday Program December 15, the 1862 St. Louis Holiday Program December 22, and the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation December 31. All events, except the St. Louis Holiday Historic House Tour, are free. For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/jeff/planyourvisit/events.htm.

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree at Dome

In conjunction with the St. Louis Rams vs. New York Jets game, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, en route to Washington, D.C., will be on display outside the Edward Jones Dome from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 18. For more information, please visit explorestlouis.com.

Alternative Transportation

With extended hours of operation and additional trains to accommodate holiday events, MetroLink metrostlouis.org is a convenient alternative to driving and allows guests to,avoid the cost of parking and traffic. Metro will continue MetroLink service until the downtown stations are cleared after events.

Media Partners

In addition to KMOV-TV, Christmas in St. Louis events are sponsored by Fresh 102.5, Y98, and KMOX.

About Christmas in St. Louis

Christmas in St. Louis christmasinstlouis.org is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to promoting activities that inspire people to show their unique holiday spirit while enhancing the texture and heritage of the St. Louis community.  For more information, follow us on facebook.com/ChristmasInStLouis.

16 Nov 2012

Make Missouri Your Holiday-Shopping Destination

By Stephen Foutes
Shop Missouri This Holiday Season

Jefferson City, Mo. – Whether you're looking for unique, hand-made gifts or for big deals and name-brand goods, enjoy your annual holiday shopping trip in Missouri.

During your Missouri shopping getaway, have fun exploring everything from small-town specialty shops to metropolitan locations with abundant options. For information on shopping around Missouri, explore VisitMO.com, which has details on hundreds of retail venues.

For now, here's a look at our holiday shopping list, broken down into two distinct categories:


About the Missouri Division of Tourism
The Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) is the official tourism office for the state of Missouri dedicated to marketing Missouri as a premier travel destination. Established in 1967, the Missouri Division of Tourism has worked hard to develop the tourism industry in Missouri to what it is today, an $11.2 billion industry supporting more than 279,000 jobs and generating $627 million in state taxes in Fiscal Year 2011. For every dollar spent on marketing Missouri as a travel destination in FY11, $57.76 was returned in visitor expenditures. For more information on Missouri tourism, go to www.VisitMO.com.

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02 Nov 2012

Herbert Hoover NHS News Release: Opportunities to Enjoy Public Lands, Learn About History on Veterans Day

By Adam Prato
WEST BRANCH, IOWA– In honor of Veteran's Day, the National Park Service encourages U.S. military members and their dependents to visit Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, where they may apply for the free Annual Pass to national parks and other federal recreational lands. Available to US military members and their dependents in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, as well as most members of the US Reserves and National Guard, the pass covers entrance to lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation. Eligible individuals wishing to acquire a pass can do so at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site visitor center daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The pass must be obtained in person. Proper military ID is required (a CAC Card or DoD Form 1173). The Annual Pass is valid in all states and US territories; the pass expires one year from the month of issue. For more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the military pass, visit http://store.usgs.gov/pass/military.html.

For those traveling over the holiday weekend, America's 398 national parks will offer everyone free admission during the Veterans Day weekend in honor of those that serve and have served in the United States military. Admission to Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is free year-round, so on Sunday, November 11 the bookstore at the historic site's visitor center, run by nonprofit partner organization Eastern National, will honor military members and veterans with a 15 percent discount on all items.

Also on Sunday, November 11, the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is partnering with the African American Museum of Iowa to present "Unconditional Loyalty," a program about African Americans in the armed forces. The program begins at 1:00 p.m. in the museum auditorium. Following "Unconditional Loyalty" at 2:30 p.m. will be a screening of the 20th Century Fox movie Red Tails. There will be free admission all day on Sunday, November 11 to the museum and the programs.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.


Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
110 Parkside Drive
PO Box 607
West Branch, Iowa 52358

319 643-2541 phone
319 643-7864 fax
www.nps.gov/heho

Twitter: @HooverNPS
Facebook: HerbertHooverNHS
29 Oct 2012

Governor Quinn Celebrates Completion of Interstate 80 Expansion Project

By Erin Wilson

Illinois Jobs Now! Project Created 340 Jobs While Enhancing Safety, Reducing Delays and Improving Traffic Flow throughout Will County

MOKENA - October 24, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn, joined by Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider and other state and local officials today announced the completion of construction on Interstate 80 from U.S. 30 to U.S. 45 in Will County. The $26 million project- funded through Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction plan- widened and improved a nearly 8-mile stretch of I-80. The project created or supported nearly 340 construction jobs, and the improvements will help spur economic development, minimize travel delays, improve access to businesses and enhance safety.

Since taking office, Governor Quinn has made modernizing the state's transportation infrastructure a top priority, pushing for and signing into law the first capital construction plan in more than 10 years.

"I-80 connects Illinois to both oceans and is one our state's most important interstates for transporting people and goods," Governor Quinn said. "This project not only created hundreds of construction jobs, it also laid important groundwork for more local development that will grow our economy and benefit drivers for years to come."

Construction on the project began in spring of 2011 by adding another driving lane and new signage along the stretch. Noise walls were also installed on a stretch of 7.8 miles of Interstate 80 from U.S. 30 to U.S. Route 45 in New Lenox, Mokena and Orland Park. More than 80,000 vehicles travel this section of I-80 every day. 22% of these vehicles are trucks hauling goods.

"Thanks to Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital program, motorists on a traditionally congested stretch of I-80 can expect better access to their destinations, improved air quality and a reduction in travel delays," Secretary Schneider said.

"Adding lanes to the Main Street of the Midwest means jobs for Will County residents," said State Senator Pat McGuire. "These improvements make the most of the Interstate 80/I-355 connection and strengthen our area."

"We appreciate the investment the State of Illinois continues to make in Will County's important highway corridors," said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. "The additional lane on Interstate 80, between Route 30 and Route 45 will improve safety and traffic flow, and help facilitate economic growth in this area."

Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program is the largest in Illinois history, supporting an estimated 439,000 construction jobs. The program, which began in 2009, dedicated more than $14 billion for transportation needs through 2015.

Of the more than $14 billion in the program dedicated for transportation, $11.3 billion has been invested in projects throughout Illinois, improving more than 6,900 miles of roads and more than 1,000 bridges, while creating or supporting approximately 140,000 jobs.

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