For Release: December 19, 2001
Contact: David Gillies, (202) 225-5661

HOUSE APPROVES PROJECTS FOR SIU, DELTA REGION

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that Southern Illinois University (SIU) at Carbondale will receive a share of $25,000 to establish a real-time captioning training program as part of the Conference Report on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2002. SIU is also in line to receive funds for construction and renovation of its medical school. This is the final version of this legislation which is expected to be signed into law after approval by the Senate.

In addition, $6.8 million is directed to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to provide assistance to rural communities in the Mississippi Delta Region. the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) will consult with the HRSA as the program is implemented. The DRA is responsible for developing plans and establishing programs for the economic development of the Delta region. Sixteen Illinois counties are in the Delta, including Randolph, Perry, Jackson, Union, Alexander, Pulaski, Franklin, Williamson, Johnson, Massac, Hamilton, Saline, Pope, White, Gallatin, and Hardin.

"These are important projects for Southern Illinois," stated Costello. "I will continue to support the important work and mission of both Southern Illinois University and the Delta Regional Authority."

Costello is the ranking Democrat on the Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the DRA.

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