"The Fiscal Year 2003 Appropriations cycle has been promising for the Fourth Congressional District, and I am optimistic that all of our hard work will pay off.  The most exciting triumph for our district is this year’s Defense and Military Construction Appropriations, which include close to $1 billion for the Pine Bluff Arsenal and the defense contractors at East Camden. This funding will result in a tremendous boost in jobs and economic opportunities in our district, and reinforces Arkansas’s role in keeping our nation safe and secure.

"While still in the early stages of the process, the FY ’03 Transportation Appropriations bill also includes substantial funding for our district’s many projects, including funding for I-49 from Texarkana to DeQueen, the I-69 Great River Bridge and the I-69 Connector (I-530), the Hot Springs Bypass, and the Port Connector Road in Jefferson County.  So far, $17 million has been secured for our transportation needs.

"I am also pleased to report $157 million for our district in the Energy and Water Appropriations.  This funding will help to maintain our public lakes so our families can enjoy them, and will fund much-needed work on our levee systems and various waterways that we depend on for safety and commerce.  

"The appropriations process is lengthy, and there is still much work to be done.  I assure you that I will continue to work hard to ensure that our districts funding needs are met so that we may continue on our path toward a better economic future."