For Release: Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Contact: Angela Benander (Durbin) (202) 224-7115
      Robert Gibbs or Tommy Vietor (Obama) (202) 228-5511
      David Gillies (Costello): (202) 225-5661

DURBIN, OBAMA, COSTELLO ANNOUNCE NEARLY $500,000 IN DOT GRANTS FOR SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AIRPORT

Washington - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $460,750 in federal grant funding to the State of Illinois.  The funds will be used to remove obstructions to runway approaches at the Southern Illinois Airport in Carbondale.

"Illinois airports are vital arteries that support our economy and national defense," Durbin said.  "Today's grant will help ensure that our airports continue to serve their customers with maximum efficiency."

"This grant will help ensure that the Southern Illinois Airport in Carbondale operates safely and efficiently," said Obama.

"These resources are critical for the regional transportation network as well as the local economy," said Costello.  "The airport is an important part of economic development in the area."

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