STEARNS GAINED FUNDING FOR MARION COUNTY FINGERPRINTING PROGRAM, PURCHASE OF A NEW SUNTRAN BUS, AND BELLEVIEW BYPASS

Washington, Feb 1, 2008 - "More and more people are moving to Marion County and making it home," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "This growing population needs more resources for law enforcement and transportation, and I am pleased that I succeeded in securing funding for three programs that will strengthen Marion County." Stearns will present checks for these the projects at an event on Tuesday, February 5, 2008.

Stearns obtained $250,000 for the Belleview Bypass and Baseline Road project; $200,000 for SunTran to buy an additional bus; and $178,600 for Marion County to purchase fingerprint identification equipment.

Stearns will present checks to Sheriff Ed Dean, Steven Neal of SunTran, and County Commissioner Stan McClain who represents Belleview. In addition, the Marion County Commissioners will be in attendance. The event starts at 9:00 AM in the Marion County Commission Chambers, 601 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala.