For Release: Monday, March 21, 2005
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

FISH AND WILDLIFE GRANT TO HELP SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has approved a $704,500 grant for work in Alexander, Jackson, Monroe, Randolph and Union Counties.  The funds will be used for wetlands habitat conservation over 3,369 acres and is an expansion of an existing Lower Kaskaskia River Wetlands Restoration Project. 

"This is a significant partnership of federal, state and private resources," said Costello.  "This is a voluntary program which will maintain the natural beauty of our area and help draw more tourists to Southern Illinois."

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