For Release: Friday, December 13, 2002
Contact: Frank Miles: (618) 233-8026

U.S. CONGRESSMAN JERRY COSTELLO HOSTS MEETING REGARDING DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY

Washington -- U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (IL-12) held an informational meeting in Carbondale on Friday, December 13, 2002 where he received a status and progress report from Mr. Pete Johnson, Federal Co-Chair of the Delta Regional Authority (DRA).

The meeting, which was held at the Dunn-Richmond Center at Southern Illinois University- Carbondale, also included area Mayors and Economic Development professionals from Delta Regional Authority counties within the 12th Congressional District.

Pete Johnson, who was appointed by President Bush as the DRA Federal Co-Chair, gave a presentation about the programs and progress with the DRA so far. Eight counties in Costello's congressional district in southern Illinois are included in the Delta which include: Randolph, Perry, Jackson, Union, Alexander, Pulaski, Franklin, Williamson. The DRA is regional authority covering eight states and 236 counties. The DRA is charged with developing comprehensive and coordinated plans and programs to establish priorities and approve grants to promote economic development the region. Last year, the DRA was authorized $30 million dollars to distribute in competitive grant programs throughout the DRA area. Illinois received over $2.5 million.

Costello is the senior Democrat on the sub-committee on Economic Development of the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee. This committee has jurisdiction over the Delta Regional Authority, as well as other economic development agencies in the federal government.

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