For Release: Tuesday, September 24, 2002
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

BI-STATE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY RECEIVES TRANSPORTATION GRANT

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that the Bi-State Development Agency has been awarded a $27,720,366 Fiscal Year 2002 bus earmark grant through the Federal Transit Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The funds will be used to reimburse Bi-State for work on the St. Clair Co. MetroLink extension to Southwestern Illinois College, which was completed last year.

"The St. Clair County MetroLink extension has been a tremendous success," said Costello. "Ridership is up 25% over original projections and it is responsible for $100 million in economic development along the line. I look forward to the next phase to Scott Air Force Base opening next year."

Costello is currently serving his eighth term in the House of Representatives. He is a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Science Committee.

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