Washington, DC -

Congress has awarded millions of dollars toward several projects in the St. Louis region, among them more than $10 million has been earmarked for projects in the First Congressional District.More than $10 million in federal funds is included in the Fiscal Year 2006 appropriations legislation that the House approved on November 18, 2005.

Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay sought federal funds for a number of local economic development and transportation projects and was very pleased that the House Senate Conference Committee included funds for:

-METRO St. Louis Downtown Shuttle Trolley ($750,000).
-Steetscape Improvements in St. Louis' Central Business District ($250,000).
-North St. Louis White Water Tower Restoration project ($75,000).
-Better Family Life Cultural Center and Museum facility improvements ($150,000).

A number of additional First District projects will also receive federal funds in the legislation that was supported by Congressman Clay, including:
 
-St. Louis Zoo Public Safety and Transportation Improvements Project ($5 million).
-St. Louis University Streetscape Improvements ($1.5 million).
-St. Louis Science Center Streetscape Improvements ($750,000).
-Missouri Botanical Garden Revitalization of the Garden District Neighborhoods ($3,000,000).
-St. Louis METRO Intermodal facility at Duncan and Boyle ($700,000).
-Grace Hill Lead Paint Abatement ($5,000,000).
-Cochran Gardens improvements ($500,000).

"I'm especially pleased that while Congress was voting to slash spending on many programs, we were able to win these new federal dollars to support important projects throughout our community. This funding will not only improve transportation, it will accelerate community development and new job growth," said Rep. Clay.