For Release: Friday, May 4, 2001
Contact: David Gillies, 202/225-5661

COSTELLO LEADS METROLINK CELEBRATION

Belleville - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) kicked off the opening of the St. Clair County MetroLink extension today with ribbon-cuttings at all eight new stations. Costello was joined by local and State officials and hailed the occasion as a landmark event for the Metro East.

"In the years to come, this new transit system through the heart of St. Clair County will be recognized as a critical tool, bringing economic opportunity and greater mobility to the people of our region," Costello said. He continued, "It is estimated that traveling 10,000 miles per year on MetroLink costs an individual $1,982, while the same distance using a personal vehicle costs $5,526."

Costello has been instrumental in the development of this project for two decades. As Chairman of the East/West Gateway Coordinating Committee in the early 1980s, he appointed and chaired a five-person committee to evaluate the feasibility of MetroLink. Costello cast the tie-breaking vote to initiate the project. As Congressman for the 12th Congressional District since 1988, he secured 592 million federal dollars of the $803 million total cost.

"It has been a great pleasure and a lot of hard work to lead this project from its infancy. Many have helped along the way, and the quality of our local and state leadership has been instrumental," stated Costello.

In addition to the economic benefits of the new MetroLink line, there are tremendous environmental ones. Each loaded train removes 356 cars from area traffic. Powered by electricity, no harmful exhaust is emitted.

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