For Release: Monday, October 2, 2006
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

* MEDIA ADVISORY *
CONGRESSMAN JERRY COSTELLO TO RECEIVE FARM BUREAU FRIEND OF AGRICULTURE AWARD; MEDIA AVAILABLITY WITH CONGRESSMAN JOHN DUNCAN TO DISCUSS WATER RESOURCES ISSUES WILL FOLLOW

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) will receive the Illinois Farm Bureau "Friend of Agriculture" Award on Wednesday, October 4, at 6:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 303 Broad St., in Evansville.   Immediately following, Costello and Congressman John Duncan, Jr. (R-TN), Chairman of the House Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, will hold a media availability to discuss water resources issues in the 12th Congressional District and before Congress.  Duncan is touring the 12th District to see first hand the water infrastructure needs of the region. 

The "Friend of Agriculture" Award is determined by support of issues of importance to Illinois farmers before Congress.  Costello has been a strong supporter of increasing the use of ethanol and bio-diesel, modernizing the locks and dams on the Mississippi River and other policies important to the farm economy.

Costello is a senior Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee.  He was the ranking Democrat on the Subcommittee during the 108th Congress when Costello and Duncan co-authored the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), legislation that authorizes activities of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  A similar version of the WRDA bill passed both the House and Senate this Congress and a final version is currently being crafted by a conference committee.  Costello and Duncan are both conferees.

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