WASHINGTON – Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin today highlighted a number of important projects for the Baltimore region that received specific funding in the FY 2002 appropriations bills passed by Congress. "I am very pleased that the Maryland delegation has been able to work so effectively to achieve these much needed federal appropriations. These are important projects and programs to our region because they will mean an improved quality of life for all Marylanders," said Rep. Cardin.

     The FY 2002 appropriation bills contain funding for the following projects:

• $2.5 million for Baltimore City to expand drug treatment services, which is the largest grant for any city in the country; 
• $1.85 million for Baltimore City law enforcement technology upgrades, which will fund wiretap equipment, computers, laptops and cameras; 
• $1.7 million for Kennedy-Kreiger for computer technology to expand distance learning opportunities for disabled students and to provide professional development, $440,000 for Kennedy-Kreiger's Career and Technology High School, and $500,000 for construction of the Kennedy-Kreiger Community Behavioral Health Center for children and adolescents in need of comprehensive behavioral management; 
• $3.5 million for National Center for Lead Safe Housing to coordinate federal/state/local lead abatement efforts in Baltimore and other cities; 
• $1 million to the Baltimore Jewish Council/CHAI to fund a demonstration project to provide support services for naturally occurring retirement communities; 
• $500,000 for construction of the National Research and Training Institute for the Blind; 
• $1.5 million for a Dept. of Education Technology Innovation Challenge Grant to purchase computers and technology for Baltimore City schools; 
• $8 million for Baltimore Harbor Channel and Anchorage Modernization Project; 
• $21.2 million in continued funding for the federal partnership in the Chesapeake Bay restoration program, and $5 million for federal Chesapeake Bay oyster reef restoration projects; 
• $1.2 million for pre-construction planning and environmental studies for a Baltimore to Washington Magnetic Levitation passenger rail system; 
• $12 million for expansion of the MARC commuter rail system; 
• $13 million to continue double tracking of the Baltimore Light Rail system; 
• $5 million for the Job Access and Reverse Commute program to assist the urban unemployed in reaching jobs in suburban areas; 
• $2.5 million for the University of Maryland Medical Center's partnership with the Army to develop an advanced operating room of the future and telemedicine capacity.