For Release: Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661
ILLINOIS RECEIVES TRANSPORTATION GRANTS
Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that the Illinois Department of Transportation has received several Scenic Byway grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation that will benefit the 12th Congressional District.
The grants include:
- $25,000 for implementation of the Corridor Management Plan for the Meeting of the Great Rivers Byway, which includes Route 100 and Route 3 (Madison County).
- $140,000 to design and construct interpretive fountains and signs at the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower as part of the plaza and gateway to the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway.
- $275,000 to recreate Fort Defiance in Cairo as it existed during the Civil War, which was used by General Grant to lead the great Western Campaign.
- $212,000 for implementation of the Marketing and Awareness Initiative for the Historic National Road, which runs roughly parallel to Interstate 70 from East St. Louis, IL to Terre Haute, IN (Madison and St. Clair Counties).
- $25,000 for implementation of the Corridor Management Plan for the Ohio River Scenic Byway, which includes 188 miles of roads including parts of Routes, 13, 37, 45, 141 and 146 (Alexander and Pulaski Counties).
- $262,561 to design and construct the Mound City Marine Ways Overlook on the Ohio River Scenic Byway.
- $235,000 for implementation of the Marketing Program for Historic Route 66, which includes 421 miles in Illinois from Chicago to Metro East St. Louis, roughly parallel to I-55.
- $25,000 for implementation of the Corridor Management Plan for Historic Route 66, which includes 421 miles in Illinois from Chicago to Metro East St. Louis, roughly parallel to I-55.
"Improving the tourist potential of our region is good for the economy,” said Costello. "These funds will attract visitors to the area, and with the natural beauty found here, we must continue to encourage tourism as a means of economic development.”
###
