Washington, Nov 30, 2001 -
Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today said the Transportation Appropriations Conference report approved this morning in the U.S. House of Representatives includes several million dollars in funding for Cleveland transportation projects.

"I'm very pleased that so many projects which benefit Cleveland commuters were funded in this spending bill," Congressman Kucinich said. "These projects will improve transportation at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, on area roads and bridges and construction of some very innovative transportation programs."

The Transportation Appropriations Conference report, providing funding for the Department of Transportation and other agencies for FY '02 was approved by a vote of 371 to 11 Friday, and includes funding for the following transportation projects in the Greater Cleveland Metro Area:

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport will receive $2 million for a new air traffic control tower and $5 million for planned airport expansion.

The Cleveland Inner Belt received $500,000 to begin the design and engineering studies for this major transportation improvement project.

Replacement of the historic Fulton Road Bridge in the Metro Parks Zoo will begin with initial funding of $1.25 million. The new bridge will retain the historic characteristics of the current bridge.

The Ohio and Erie Canal Corridor will receive $1 million for bikeway improvements.

Ohio Ways to Work program will receive $1.5 million. This program provides reverse commute transportation for low-income families.

The Cleveland Trans Erie Ferry concept will receive $800,000 to study linking Cleveland to ports in Canada with a ferry service.
In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration will receive $20 million to research lower noise aircraft engine technologies. NASA is expected to assist in this research.