JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Gov. Jay Nixon's administration will allow state funding for the Tour of Missouri bicycle race, even as the state struggles to balance its budget.

Nixon's administration last week froze $1.5 million in state tourism funding for the event and was considering whether to eliminate the funding altogether.

Tour of Missouri organizers had said the cut force cancellation of the race.

On Tuesday, Nixon said he believes the race should go forward.

He said his office decided to allow the funding after tourism officials and race organizers agreed to share details of spending related to the event.

The cross-state race is scheduled to be run Sept. 7-13.