For Release: November 30, 2001
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

HOUSE APPROVES TRANSPORTATION FUNDING

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that the full House of Representatives approved several projects for the 12th Congressional District as part of the Conference Report for the Transportation Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2002, including $28 million for MetroLink. This is the final version of the legislation which is expected to be signed into law after approval by the Senate.

"These are all important projects for the 12th Congressional District. The new MetroLink extension is already very successful and is a critical tool for economic development." said Costello. "I am pleased we have completed this important legislation."

Projects funded by the bill include:

* Twenty-eight million ($28 million) for MetroLink. The money will complete the St. Clair County extension to Southwestern Illinois College.

* Fourteen million dollars ($14 million) in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) annual obligation payments to MidAmerica Aiport.

* Twenty million dollars ($20 million) for the Small Community Air Service Development Program. Costello was instrumental in getting this program authorized during the 106th Congress as part of legislation to reauthorize the FAA. The funds will be used to help market underutilized airports.

*Seven million dollars ($7 million) to the State of Illinois for high speed rail.

* Two million dollars ($2 million) to the State of Illinois to develop intelligent transportation systems. Part of this money is directed to Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Material Technology Center.

* Four million dollars ($4 million) for the Bi-State Development Agency to purchase buses.

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