Missouri senators have endorsed a plan that could provide $15 million to Joplin to rebuild street curbs and gutters that were damaged as a result of the 2011 tornado.
The bill given initial approval Wednesday would fund disaster recovery projects by redirecting money from other areas of state government. Among the entities that would lose money are the state insurance department and an agency that helps finance health and educational facilities.
Senate Majority Leader Ron Richard, of Joplin, said the funding is needed because his hometown has been unable to repair damage caused by heavy equipment used to clean up and haul off debris.
Senators amended the bill Wednesday so that other disaster areas also could qualify for the infrastructure money.
