For Release: Friday, January 11, 2002
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS COAL BELT EFFORT RECEIVES
"CHAMPION COMMUNITIES" DESIGNATION FROM USDA

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello announced today that parts of Franklin, Perry, and Williamson counties have been designated "Champion Communities" by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Champion Communities are eligible for enhanced assistance from the USDA and other federal agencies. The designated area includes the communities of Hurst, Bush, Colp, Cambria, Ziegler, Royalton and parts of DuQuoin, West City, Benton and West Frankfort.

"This is good news for Southern Illinois," said Costello. "Champion Communities status will promote economic development in the region, increasing the impact of other federal initiatives such as the Delta Regional Authority."

Costello supported and pushed the application of the Southern Illinois Coal Belt Empowerment Zone, one of 55 rural applications for empowerment zone status. The Southern Illinois application made the cut to five finalists, but only two were chosen, located in Texas and Maine.

Costello is the Ranking Democratic Member on the Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Delta Regional Authority, the Appalachian Regional Commission and other economic development entities.

###

###