For Release: Wednesday, November 9, 2005
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

HOUSE APPROVES OLMSTED LOCK AND DAM, KASKASKIA NAVIGATION SYSTEM FUNDING

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that the House of Representatives has approved funding for water projects in the 12th Congressional District as part of the final Energy and Water Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2005.  The legislation will next be considered by the Senate and is expected to be signed into law in the near future.

"The hurricanes and storms that our country has recently endured emphasize the need to maintain our waterway infrastructure," said Costello.  "These projects are important to the safety and the economy of the region."

The projects include:

· $90 million for ongoing construction and maintenance at the Olmsted Lock and Dam.
· $1.884 million for operation and maintenance of the Kaskaskia Navigation System.

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