For Release: Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Contact: David Gillies: (202) 225-5661

DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY RECEIVES 2005 FUNDING

$25 Million Set Aside for Road Projects

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today announced that the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) received funding in the final budget for Fiscal Year 2005, including new funds specifically for roads.  Costello has been a strong supporter of the DRA, a government organization tasked with addressing the economic needs of the Delta region. 

The DRA received direct funding of just over $6 million.  Another $1 million was included for DRA projects in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Importantly, the budget includes a provision to set aside $25 million for road projects in the Delta Region, to be administered by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.  Costello is a leader of the effort to secure permanent road funding for the DRA. 

"This is good news for the communities of Southern Illinois and the Delta region," said Costello. "The DRA has been very effective in leveraging local and state resources to meet the infrastructure and economic development needs of the region.  This new funding for roads will only enhance these efforts.  I look forward to working with the Department of Transportation to release this money as quickly as possible."

The DRA is modeled after the Appalachian Regional Commission and is responsible for developing plans and establishing programs for the economic development of the Delta region.  Sixteen Illinois counties are in the Delta, including Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, White and Williamson. 

Costello is a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  He and DRA Federal Co-Chair Pete Johnson will be making 2004 DRA award presentations in Carterville and Du Quoin on Monday, November 29th.

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