Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon said he’s concerned about the deep transit cuts Metro was forced to roll out on Monday, saying the effects will be felt in the local economy.

Following a speech to Boeing Co. workers near Lambert-St. Louis International Airport today, Nixon was asked about Metro’’s request for a $35 million emergency appropriation to restore some of the lost bus, light-rail and Call-A-Ride service.

“Obviously, we’re all concerned,” Nixon said. “The drop in the routes is a significant impact on the local economy, especially for workers. We look forward to working with local officials to see what we can do. Especially long run to make sure that there’s a way for folks with jobs to get to those jobs.” 

Metro President and CEO Robert Baer last week wrote House Budget Committee Chairman Allen Icet, R-Wildwood, seeking the “one-time, emergency” appropriation to restore much of the lost service for one year.

No action has been taken. But even it were approved, no service would be restored before July, Metro officials have said. Icet wasn’t immediately available for comment.

In the meantime, Metro’s bus service has been dramatically scaled back. MetroLInk trains don’t run as often during peak periods. And Call-A-Ride has been scaled back.

Nixon today acknowledged that Missouri’s transportation funding focus has been on roads and bridges. But he also said there’s no easy solution.

“There are big gaps in those budgets,” he said. “These are difficult times, difficult choices.”