Funding was part of a legislation package passed by aSenatesubcommittee led by Senator Christopher ``Kit'' Bond, R-Mo.The fullSenate will consider the measure this week with moneylikely to be appropriated forthe new fiscal year to begin October1.

The money will help upgrade the combination sewer systems, thathandleboth storm water and sanitary waste. New separate linesshould help toalleviate flooding, which has been a problem in theBottoms in the past.

Improvements will begin on the north end and later extend south,towardKemper Arena. The Bottoms became the home of a Gateway, Inc.customerservice center about five years ago and area developers arenow toutingThe Yards office park, trying to attract ButlerManufacturing, wherecompany officials have yet to decide whether torelocate theirMidtown-based company to the Missouri or Kansas sideof the Bottoms.