Failure of a gasoline tax hike for Missouri transportation projects will not affect funding for a replacement of the Champ Clark Bridge.

The state announced last week it has found the dollars to build a new bridge just to the south of the 88-year-old structure.

A spokeswoman said Monday (May 16) that money for the replacement is already budgeted in the state’s five-year construction plan. It will not be impacted by failure of state lawmakers to seek voter approval of a six-cent-a-gallon gas tax increase.

The proposal had broad support, but was not acted upon before the legislative session ended.

Public input on the five-year construction plan is being accepted through June 10th. State regulators will consider approval on July 7th.

There’s no timetable for construction of the new bridge, but some preliminary work already has been finished. In addition, a federal grant that’ll offset the 60 million dollar cost must be obligated by September 2017.