(Washington, DC) Today, the U.S House of Representatives gave a final vote of approval to funding for six Louisville projects requested by Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3).

“In 2007, one of the first rules Congress implemented was a mandate that a Representative’s name appear next to any project he or she requested,” said Congressman Yarmuth. “I am absolutely proud that my name appears next to this critically-needed funding that will benefit so many worthy programs in Louisville.”

Also included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act is a provision – co-introduced by Congressman Yarmuth in the House and Senator Mitch McConnell (KY) in the Senate – to name the new VA hospital in Louisville after World War I-era veteran Robley Rex. Before passing away in April of 2009 just before his 108th birthday, Rex volunteered over 14,000 hours of his time in service to his fellow veterans.

The Senate is expected to approve the bill in the next two weeks. 

Congressman Yarmuth’s requests in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY10 total $2.85 million for projects in Louisville and include:


$300,000 - Mobile Data Computers, Louisville Metropolitan Police Department.  This funding will be used to purchase new mobile data computers which will replace outdated and unable-to-be-repaired equipment to be compatible with current programs being used by the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department.

$100,000 - Reducing Barriers to Success for At-risk Youth, First Gethsemane Center for Family Development.  This funding will be used to provide a wide range of educational support, delinquency prevention, and intervention services for at-risk youth in Louisville.  The program provides mentoring, tutoring, and development programs to prepare participants to develop into viable and productive citizens of the community.

$600,000 -- Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's Healthcare, Interventional Radiology Equipment. This funding will go toward the purchase of the latest interventional imaging technology, providing South End residents with access to more efficient and less-invasive tests and treatments for cancer.

$100,000 -- National Center for Family Literacy, Family Education Career Training. This program will develop and implement a systematic approach to the delivery of job readiness for families by infusing career awareness and work preparedness activities in all components of a family literacy program.


$1 million - KY Ohio River Bridges Project, City of Louisville (Federal Highway Administration – Interstate Maintenance Account). Construction of two new bridges across the Ohio River and the reconstruction of the Kennedy Interchange where I-65, I-64 and I-71 converge in downtown Louisville.

$750,000 - Louisville International Airport Airfield Capacity Improvements. Completion of the final construction phase of Taxiway "A" at Louisville International Airport, which will accommodate Group VI aircraft - the largest and newest long-range commercial aircraft and allow the airport to take advantage of new opportunities to retain and attract aviation-related companies and jobs to our community.