For Release: Friday, November 15, 2002
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661
COSTELLO ANNOUNCES DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY GRANTS
Washington -- U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that several organizations in Southern Illinois have been awarded grants from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA). The funds will be used for economic development projects.
"The DRA is proving to be a valuable resource for the region," said Costello. "DRA funds are being used with state and local money to maximize investment in infrastructure."
Modeled after the Appalachian Regional Commission, 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. The DRA was recently reauthorized for $30 million a year through 2007.
Costello is currently serving his eighth term in the House. He is a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the Ranking Democratic Member on the Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the DRA.
Projects include:
· $100,000, City of Cairo - Phase I of Cairo Riverfront Development.
· $100,000, Pulaski County Development Association - Installation of Railway Lines to Mounds Industrial Park.
· $97,428, Village of Evansville - Riverfront Development, Randolph County.
· $300,000, Southernmost Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone - Gravel Road upgrade in Alexander, Johnson and Pulaski Counties.
· $138,629, Southern Illinois University Carbondale - Value-added agriculture education program.
· $24,000, Shawnee Community College - Purchase equipment for employment-related education and business development for entire DRA region.
· $125,300, Southern Illinois Tourism Development Office - Development of a regional tourism and marketing plan for Southern Illinois.
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