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ST. LOUIS NEWS TODAY - Friday, July 7, 2006
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Rising gas prices caught area motorists by surprise Friday morning when gas prices rose to just under $3 per gallon for regular in Missouri and over $3 in Illinois.
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Rising Gas Prices Catch Area Motorists by Surprise
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com), July 7, 2006 - Motorists in the St. Louis area were caught by surprise when gas prices hit just under $3 per gallon, two days after Governor Matt Blunt signed legislation requiring gasoline sold in Missouri to contain 10 percent ethanol (E-10) by 2008.
On June 26, the Missouri Department of Natural Resourses stated that concerns over gasoline supplies for the summer driving season were renewed
following a recent U.S. Department of Energy report showing gasoline
supplies are 2.5 million barrels lower than last year at this time.
The price increase was associated with cooling loads from hot temperatures across much of the U.S. Civil unrest in Nigeria, a labor dispute in Norway and Iran's continued commitment to its nuclear enrichment program are also contributing to a strong crude oil market with prices that again exceeded $70 per barrel.
During a stop in St. Louis, Blunt said, "I am pleased to sign this bill giving Missourians access to the affordable, homegrown gasoline they want and that they can be proud to use when they fill their tanks. This renewable fuel standard benefits consumers, our economy, the environment, and Missouri farmers.
"It means Missouri corn fields will be the oil fields of the 21st century, contributing $348 million annually in value added income to MissouriÕs economy and generating $726 million annually in economic activity. I am pleased the general assembly answered my call to make this important legislation a priority for this session."
Missouri currently has three operating ethanol plants, in Macon, Malta Bend, and Craig, that produce about 115 million gallons of ethanol annually. A fourth ethanol plant in Laddonia will begin operations later this year. Anticipated growth in Missouri's ethanol industry will produce more than enough fuel to meet the new E-10 standard.
The first four ethanol plants in Missouri will consume approximately 55 million bushels of corn annually and raise the value of Missouri's corn by $41 million at the farm level annually. Estimates indicate that farmers can expect a five to fifteen cent per bushel price increase for corn as the demand for ethanol increases.
Blunt Signs Legislation to Benefit St. Louis Metro Area
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com), July 2, 2006 - "I commend the St. Louis area delegation for sending legislation to my desk that will benefit this region and the state of Missouri," Blunt said in a statement. "This was a productive legislative session for the people of Missouri and I am pleased we were able to accomplish so many good things without imposing taxes on working families."
House Bill 1256, sponsored by Rep. Esther Haywood, honors Rosa Parks and the civil rights movement in the United States and Missouri. The bill designates February 4th as a day of observance and calls for an annual proclamation by the governor.
House Bill 1380, sponsored by Rep. Neal St. Onge, provides authority for the Department of Transportation to enter a public private partnership to build a new Mississippi River Bridge in St. Louis. The bridge would be jointly owned by Missouri and Illinois and would be built, maintained and operated by a private partner through a long-term lease agreement. The bill allows tolls to be collected to provide funding to build the new bridge. According to the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri stands to gain approximately 2,490 new jobs, $6 million in general revenues, $147 million in personal income and $600 million in new economic activity as a result of the bridge.
Senate Bill 583, sponsored by Sen. John Griesheimer, changes vehicle emissions testing procedures. The bill decentralizes testing and will allow motorists to have their safety and emissions inspections done at the same location and expands motorists' options to choose their testing location. It also requires only 1996 or newer vehicles to be tested and takes advantage of on board diagnostic technology to conduct the tests. The bill also adds exemptions for the four newest model year vehicles and for vehicles used to travel less than 12,000 miles in between inspections. The new emissions inspection process will improve customer service and reduce motorists' burden.
Senate Bill 1023, sponsored by Sen. Michael Gibbons, extends the sunset for the DNA all felon collection program and directs court surcharges to fund the program. The legislation increases the surcharge for those convicted of a serious drug offense from $30 to $60. Through this program DNA tests are administered on convicted felons and are compared against DNA samples from unsolved cases. The bill defines guidelines for restitution in the case of wrongful conviction and ultimate exoneration and clarifies restitution payment procedures.
Senate Bill 1189, sponsored by Sen. Michael Gibbons, creates the Holocaust Education and Awareness Commission. The 12 member commission will be housed in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and promote holocaust education and awareness programs. The governor will appoint the members with the advice and consent of the Senate.
HCR 12, sponsored by Rep. Charles Portwood, designates May 10 of each year as Hepatitis C Awareness Day in Missouri. The resolution recommends the day be observed through activities to help increase Hepatitis C awareness, education, tolerance, and understanding.
Blunt also signed legislation increasing penalties for motorists who fail to comply with the state's Move Over law, and designating portions of Missouri's highways in honoring law enforcement officials killed in the line of duty.
Senate Bill 872, sponsored by Sen. Michael Gibbons, enacts tougher provisions to help ensure highway workers', emergency workers' and all Missouri motorists' safety. By law Missouri motorists must move over to the other lane when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle or when approached by an oncoming emergency vehicle.
Study Finds Airline Passengers Are Extremely Confident in Their Safety
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com), July 2, 2006 - Travelers are considerably more confident in their safety while flying within North American cities than they are while traveling abroad, according to the newly released J.D. Power and Associates 2006 North America Airport Satisfaction Study(SM).
The study, now in its sixth year, measures overall airport satisfaction in three segments: large (30 million or more passengers per year), medium (10 million to less than 30 million passengers per year) and small (less than 10 million passengers per year). Eight factors are examined to determine overall customer satisfaction: airport accessibility, check-in/baggage check, security check, terminal facilities, food and beverage, retail services, baggage claim and immigration/customs control.
The study finds that 47 percent of travelers report feeling "very safe" while flying within North America, compared to just 13 percent who say they feel "very safe" when traveling outside of North America. While 30 percent feel it is "unsafe" or "very unsafe" to travel abroad, just 4 percent of travelers feel the same about traveling domestically.
"The results clearly reflect the confidence travelers have in the ability of North American airports to secure our airways," said Jim Gaz, senior director of travel and entertainment at J.D. Power and Associates. "Despite the extra time airport security adds to the airport process, overall, passengers feel confident in the security at North American airports due to the thoroughness of screeners and the implementation of new technologies at some airports."
McCarran International (LAS) in Las Vegas ranks highest in overall passenger satisfaction among large airports, receiving the highest ratings from travelers in the areas of check-in/baggage check, security check and terminal facilities.
LaGuardia International (LGA) in New York ranks highest among medium-size airports with Lambert St. Louis International (STL) ranking seventh in same category.
The study also finds that 47 percent of passengers purchase food and beverage at the airport -- a decline from 54 percent in 2004. Food and beverage services receive the lowest ratings from customers when compared to all other drivers of satisfaction. Travelers also have particularly low satisfaction within the area of retail services offered at airports. Travelers are most displeased with the cost of both food/beverage and retail items.
"The results clearly reflect the confidence travelers have in the ability of North American airports to secure our airways," said Jim Gaz, senior director of travel and entertainment at J.D. Power and Associates. "Despite the extra time airport security adds to the airport process, overall, passengers feel confident in the security at North American airports due to the thoroughness of screeners and the implementation of new technologies at some airports."
"With fewer airlines offering in-flight meal service, providing passengers with a variety of food options at reasonable prices in the gate area is absolutely critical," said Gaz. "Airports are also trying to find ways to help passengers be productive while waiting for their flights. Providing a variety of services and options, such as wireless Internet access, business centers and shopping, are key to satisfying today's traveler."
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