Tourism Signals Support for Tour of Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Missouri Tourism Commission has reaffirmed its support for the Tour of Missouri bicycle race in the face of a potential state budget cut.

Gov. Jay Nixon's administration has frozen $1.5 million of tourism funding intended for the race and is considering whether to eliminate the money to help balance the state budget.

Organizers say that would force the cancellation of the September bicycle race.

At a meeting Thursday, members of the state Tourism Commission questioned whether Nixon's administration has the legal authority to control how it spends its money. Commissioners voted to reaffirm their $1.5 million commitment to the race.

Nixon budget director Linda Luebbering said the potential Tour of Missouri cut remains under review.