For Release: Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Contact: David Gillies: (202) 225-5661
COSTELLO LEADS
BIPARTISAN EFFORT FOR PERMANENT DRA ROAD FUNDS Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) is
leading a bipartisan effort in Congress to secure permanent road funds for the
Delta Regional Authority (DRA) as part of the reauthorization of national highway
legislation. The Delta Region Highway System (DRHS) program would be modeled
after the existing Appalachian Development Highway System program (ADHS). Planning
money to establish the program would be authorized, and once established, as
much as $300 million would be authorized for the DRHS annually. "Improving transportation infrastructure in the Delta region is
the best step we can take to create economic development," said Costello. "A
dedicated funding source will allow state and local officials to more effectively
attract business while enhancing access to our tourist attractions. Historically,
there has been a great return on these investments." The ADHS has provided proven benefits to the Appalachian region.
According to a 1998 study prepared by Wilbur Smith Associates, the ADHS has
increased economic efficiency as well as economic development. For every federal
dollar invested, there is a return of $1.18 in efficiency benefits and $1.32
in economic impact benefits. The ADHS has created more than 16,000 jobs and
it is estimated that in 2015, 42,000 jobs will be created as a result of the
highway system. "The Delta Region has needs that are equally as great as those
of Appalachia," stated Costello. "The unemployment rate in parts of Southern
Illinois is substantially higher than the national average. Obtaining this funding
would be a major step to improving the infrastructure needed to provide the
people of the Delta with jobs to lift them out of poverty." Costello is a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee. Fourteen members - seven Democrats and seven Republicans - representing
parts of the Delta have signed a letter to Committee Chairman Don Young (R-AK)
in support of the DRHS. ###
