Funding for a new bridge at Louisiana is at stake in today's election.

A new span is one of about 120 road and bridge projects in 17 Northeast Missouri counties that would be funded if voters approve a sales tax increase.

The ballot measure is known as Amendment 7, and is one of five ballot issues. Amendment 7 would raise the state’s sales tax by three-quarters-of-a-cent for the next 10 years.

It boils down to seven-and-a-half cents for every 10-dollar purchase.

At 86, the existing Champ Clark Bridge is the oldest non-updated structure still used for auto traffic between St. Paul and St. Louis.

Estimated cost of the new bridge is 40 million to 60 million dollars, with Missouri and Illinois splitting the bill. Pre-construction work already is under way, and a final site selection is expected within a year.

The election polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.