Contact: Matt Lloyd

Washington, Dec 9, 2003 - WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Mike Pence announced today that the U.S. House of Representatives secured more than $3 million for Muncie and Delaware County that will be used for water system and transportation improvements, among other things.

“Roads and sewers and transportation are the lifelines of any community and I am pleased to see these important federal investments in our community,” said Pence. “The transportation and other infrastructure improvement that will result from the funding in this bill are vital for improving the quality of life for residents of Muncie and Delaware County. I would like to congratulate Mayor Dan Canan for his leadership in securing these scarce federal resources.”

“I was pleased to be able to work with Congressman Pence to help secure this federal funding that will help the city of Muncie,” said Mayor Canan.

Funding for projects in Muncie and Delaware County follow:

· $2 million for the reconstruction of Cowan Road from 23rd St. to the Muncie By-Pass

· $700,000 for the Muncie Transit System. The transit improvements will include replacing transit vehicles that have exceeded the Federal Transit Agency’s recommended normal service life.

· $350,000 for the Fairgrounds Project at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. The funding is in response to requests by the City of Muncie and Delaware County Commissioners and will help with site and building improvements at the fairgrounds and with implementation of a 10-year Master Plan for the revitalization and renovation of the facility.

· $200,000 for the Water Supply Project in Eaton, Indiana. Project is for the upgrading of the existing public water distribution system for the town of Eaton in order to increase capacity and improve/retain public water quality.

The funding was included as part of the FY 2004 Omnibus Appropriations Conference Report. It is expected to pass the Senate and be signed by President Bush.

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