For Release: Thursday, October 19, 2000
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661
WASHINGTON - The US House of Representatives today approved funding for the Veterans Administration, Housing and Urban Development and Energy and Water initiatives. The approved bill included $200,000 for a water control project in Alexander and Pulaski Counties, funding requested by US Representative Jerry Costello (D-IL), to help with drainage problems as well as a $1.3 billion increase for veterans medical care.
"This project is aimed at providing relief to communities in Southern Illinois with problems from storm water runoff and other flooding throughout the year," said Costello, a member of the House Water Resources Subcommittee. "Our goal has been and continues to be the development of solutions which will bring relief to home and business owners in our area."
Funding included in the FY2001 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill for Southern Illinois includes:
* $200,000 for Alexander and Pulaski Counties. This funding will be used for a study investigating the feasibility of implementing habitat restoration to correct the problems of sedimentation and excessive drainage for the 740 square miles in the southernmost portion of Illinois.
Funding included in the FY2001 VA/HUD Appropriations Bill included appropriations for veterans and housing programs.
"I am pleased that the combined funding bill includes $20.3 billion, an increase of $1.4 billion, to provide much-needed services to provide medical care for our nation's veterans" said Costello.
The funding was approved by the full House of Representatives. The bill will now go to the Senate where it is expected to be approved and then signed into law by President Clinton.
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