06 Apr 2010

State of Iowa Has AAA Rating With Fitch Ratings

By readMedia Newswire

DES MOINES, IA (04/05/2010)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced today that Iowa has the highest rating from another top bond rating company. Fitch Ratings has joined Standard and Poor's in giving the State of Iowa's general obligation bond rating the best possible rating, 'AAA.' "This is great news for Iowa," Fitzgerald stated. "Two of the major rating firms say we have the best possible rating. It says a great deal about our economy and financial management."

Iowa's AAA rating results from Fitch's move to a global rating scale. This recalibration makes their ratings for municipal and corporate entities more comparable. "We are among fourteen states that have the Fitch AAA rating," Fitzgerald stated, "So, in these tough economic times, Iowa has stayed the course and experts notice." Credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet its financial commitments. Fitch analyzes a state's economy, financial management and liabilities to establish its credit quality.

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23 Mar 2010

MORE BUDGET CUTS AND DELAYED PAYMENTS WILL INCREASE HOMELESSNESS IN ILLINOIS

By Bob Palmer
Four advocacy groups working to create affordable housing and end homelessness released a report today demonstrating that unless the State of Illinois passes comprehensive tax reform even more people will lose their housing and become homeless. The entire report is available at www.housingactionil.org.

The report was based on a survey of state-funded providers of homelessness prevention funds, emergency shelter, homeless youth programs, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing.

Among the survey's key findings were:

1. Agencies are already turning people in need of housing away due to state budget cuts. Sixty-one agencies turned away 1,292 people in January 2010 because of prior year state budget cuts, representing 9% of the 13,720 people they were able to serve. This does not include additional people who were turned away for issues not related to state budget cuts, such as lack of bed space.

2. Agencies are already owed a significant amount of money by the state and are taking on additional debt to manage the crisis. In total, 54 agencies are owed $10.2 million from the state in delayed payments, or about $189,000 per agency. The average delay in state payments is slightly less than 3 months, with delays as high as 9 months.

3. State-funded programs create jobs and leverage federal funding. State funding for 61 agencies supports more than 1,600 jobs across Illinois. Forty-nine agencies are leveraging $47.7 million in federal funds every year that depend on a state match.

4. More budget cuts will result in fewer people receiving services and the loss of state-funded jobs. Based on the responses of 66 agencies, if programs are cut substantially in the FY11 budget, 79% of agencies would have to reduce services and 74% of agencies would have to lay off staff. Forty-one percent of agencies would have to eliminate programs.

The agencies surveyed are funded by line items that receive a combined $36.5 million in state funding. While that total represents only a small portion of state funding?less than 1% of the $4 billion in total General Revenue Funding for the Illinois Department of Human Services?the harm caused by cuts to these programs are troubling examples of the larger impact of cuts to human services overall.

"While Governor Quinn deserves credit for acknowledging the need for revenue increases, his proposal falls far short of what is needed," said Bob Palmer, Policy Director for Housing Action Illinois. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn released his fiscal year 2011 budget proposal on March 10. He proposed over $2 billion in cuts. Although not included in his formal proposal, Governor Quinn is advocating for a 1% increase in the income tax.

The report was prepared by the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Housing Action Illinois and the Supportive Housing Providers Association. All four groups are members of the Responsible Budget Coalition.

"The 200-plus organizations of the Responsible Budget Coalition believe the best and fairest way to adequately fund all our essential priorities?education, health care, human services, public safety and more--is through comprehensive tax reform like House Bill 174, that passed in the Illinois Senate in 2009," said Lore Baker, Assistant Director for the Supportive Housing Providers Association.
23 Mar 2010

Senator Chuck Grassley - the week ahead

By Sen. Charles Grassley
Grassley will meet with Iowans from the American Coalition for Ethanol; the Hungry Canyons Alliance; the American-Israeli Political Action Committee; the American Gas Association; the Iowa Podiatric Medical Society; the Denison Job Corps; the National Association of Postal Supervisors; the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Prairieland Economic Development Corporation; the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists; the Iowa State Association of Letter Carriers; the Iowa Pork Producers Association; the National Association of Postmasters of the United States; Iowa State University; the Iowa Student Loan Board; the American Society of Association Executives; the Iowa Farm Bureau; and Kids Speak Up for Epilepsy.

Grassley will meet with young Iowans participating in the National 4-H Conference.  The 4-Hers are from Ankeny, Burlington, Fort Dodge and Lake Mills.

Grassley will meet with a young Iowan from Belle Plaine who is participating in the Close-Up program, which helps students increase their knowledge of government and citizenship.

Grassley will also meet with young Iowans from Clinton (Prince of Peace Academy); Eldridge (North Scott High School); and New Vienna (Beckman Senior High School. The students are participating in the National Young Leaders Conference.  During the conference, students visit with policy makers and other leaders in an effort to hone their understanding of current events and political issues.  Additionally, students take part in group discussion and decision-making exercises to prepare them for leadership roles.

· On Monday, March 22 at 2 p.m. (CT), Grassley met with community leaders from the Council Bluffs area.  The Iowans are in Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Congress about the community's priorities in the upcoming appropriations process as well as other legislative initiatives.

· On Tuesday, March 23 at 8 p.m. (CT), Grassley will host a live, interactive telephone town hall meeting with Iowans. Grassley will answer questions from constituents for the duration of the program which is expected to last approximately one hour.

· On Wednesday, March 24 at 8:30 a.m. (CT), Grassley will participate in a Senate Agriculture Committee mark-up.  The committee will consider the "Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010."

· On Thursday, March 25 at 9 a.m. (CT), Senator Grassley will participate in a Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting.

-30-

22 Mar 2010

More Iowa Counties to Receive Disaster Assistance

By Sen. Charles Grassley

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today said President Barack Obama amended a major disaster declaration for Iowa, triggering the release of FEMA funds to help more Iowa counties recover from the severe winter storm and snowstorm that occurred from December 23 - 27.  Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation.

"Winter weather hit Iowa extremely hard and caused an enormous amount of damage," Grassley said.  "It's good to see this disaster being addressed by President Obama so Iowans can continue cleaning up the damage."

FEMA will additionally provide assistance to Buena Vista, Dickinson, O'Brien, Palo Alto, Plymouth and Pocahontas counties through the Public Assistance program.  The Public Assistance program assists state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

FEMA will also provide snow assistance to additional counties for emergency protective measures for a 48-hour period for Buena Vista, Dickinson, O'Brien, Palo Alto and Plymouth counties.

All Iowa counties are also eligible to apply for assistance through the Hazard Mitigation Grant program.  The Hazard Mitigation Grant program assists state and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

Grassley sent a letter to Obama asking him to grant Governor Chet Culver's request to declare Iowa a major disaster area as a result of the severe winter storm and snowstorm that occurred on December 23 - 27.

Click here to see a copy of Grassley's letter.

11 Mar 2010

Do Americans Have Standing Anymore?

By Administrator

This Thursday, March 11, 2010 In U.S. Court of Appeals...
One American Argues Historical Lawsuit Against the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury For Unconstitutional Billion-Dollar AIG Bailouts

WHO: Robert "Bob" Schulz, Chairman

We the People Foundation for Constitutional Education and We the People Congress: Dedicated to citizen vigilance and holding elected officials accountable to their Oath of Office, the Constitution. www.givemeliberty.org;

WHAT: Oral arguments against the Federal Reserve (Bernanke) and U.S. Treasury

(Paulson/Geithner) challenging the UNCONSTITUTIONAL use of public monies for the
multi-billion dollar bailouts of privately-owned AIG and other Wall Street institutions.

WHEN:           2 PM - Thursday, March 11, 2010 - Schulz is FIRST UP
WHERE:         Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Manhattan- 500 Pearl Street

Ceremonial Courtroom - 9th Floor; Presiding Judges Eaton, Wesley and Sack

HOW: Schulz will argue, pro se, the Constitutional argument that public funds can never be used for decidedly private purposes - regardless of any perceived necessity or general public benefit in doing so.  He will also argue against the unconstitutional application of the "judicial standing doctrine," used liberally to prevent federal lawsuits by ordinary Americans seeking to remedy injuries affecting all Citizens equally which arise from Government's violations of the Constitution.  A critical and growing issue as more Americans awaken to the inevitable question: "What are the next steps for a free People to take to hold their servant government accountable?"

WHAT HAPPENED IN 2008:
Click here to watch 40 minute video of Bob Schulz recounting his legal action to restrain the Treasury and the Federal Reserve.

Recorded at the Continental Congress 2009 last November.

Sept 16th AIG Bailout Announced

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/17/business/17insure.html
Sept 18th Bob Schulz Files Federal Lawsuit Seeking Fed/AIG Restraining Order

http://www.wethepeoplefoundation.org/PROJECTS/AIG/AIG-Complaint-9-18-08.pdf

Sept 18th Congressional Leaders, Treasury and Fed Move Forward Anyway
 http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/19/news/economy/what_lawmakers_heard/index.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISvif1OaTK4&feature=related

Sept. 23 $700B TARP Taxpayer Bailout Legislation is Announced

Sept. 24th Bob Schulz Files Second Lawsuit Seeking TARP/Treasury Restraining Order
http://www.wethepeoplefoundation.org/PROJECTS/AIG/Bailout-Complaint-9-24-08.pdf

Sept. 29th House Rejects TARP Bill
Oct . 3rd TARP Legislation Passes, w/ Clause Expressly Providing for Constitutional Injunctions
Sept./Oct. Both Schulz Lawsuits are Dismissed for "Lack of Standing",
Read DOJ's Motion to Dismiss arguing the People have no Right to enforce the Constitution


Case Continues at Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Manhattan
A. WTP's Appeal to the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals,
B. DOJ's Response to WTP Appeal,
C. WTP's Reply to DOJ's Appeal Response (1 page)

No couch potato: Schulz says - "The emergency Congressional bailout meeting at 7pm that day (Sept 18, 2008) and subsequent announcements followed my phone conversations, in series, with lawyers at the Federal Reserve, Treasury Dept., and Justice Department in the mid-afternoon, notifying them they had been sued for agreeing to give AIG $85 billion of public funds, not only without any Constitutional authority to do so, but to make matters worse, without bothering to go the Congress - specifically the House of Representatives, where all money bills are obligated by the Constitution to originate, and knowing what effects these huge gifts of public monies would have upon both America's economy and the People. Officials were fully informed that the courts had been asked for a temporary restraining order to prevent the transfer of any money to AIG until the court held a hearing. Each was faxed a full set of the legal papers. All of this was done by 3pm. At 7pm, America saw the sobering bailout announcement."

"Days later, I filed a second case, when Congress then, in full cooperation with the plan, trumped the Constitution again, on the same 'no authority' grounds, against the $700 billion TARP bailout. The two cases were "consolidated" and dismissed for "lack of standing" by the District Court, months later. The appeal was filed.  The U.S. Court of Appeals, after months of delay and asking me to let them decide the appeal without oral argument, finally set this date. I will now have the opportunity to confront the Government in public and let the DOJ attorneys explains these acts to both the Court and the People of America."

Additional Support material for this historic effort can be found here:

Read the PETITION to the U.S. District Court regarding the unconstitutional $85 Billion AIG bailout and Decision. Read the PETITION to the U.S. District Court regarding the unconstitutional $700 Billion TARP bank bailout and Decision.  See http://articlesoffreedom.us/TOC/Article11PublicDebt.aspx

See the related CC 2009 video presentations: Robert L. Schulz, Chairman, WTP Foundation - We The People lawsuits against the $85 Billion AIG and $700 Billion Bailout; and Tom DeWeese, President, American Policy Center- reading the submission of Dr. Edwin Vieira, Declaration that all Unconstitutionally Incurred Public Debt of the United States is Void and Enforcement Thereof Barred


###

Other important We the People Foundation efforts underway at this time:

Beyond Tea Parties.  Beyond Elections.  Beyond Politics.

The Articles of Freedom are the profound plan to save the Constitution.
One hundred sixteen citizen-delegates from 48 states convened an historic, non-political and non-partisan modern day Continental Congress for eleven days in November 2009. The fourteen-year prolific record of We The People Foundation and its tens of thousands of supporters provided the foundation for the Continental Congress to build upon. The result is specific non-partisan Remedial Instructions for Congress, the President and the States, as well as civic actions for the People that show the way back to Constitutional governance.

Based on 14 violations of the Constitution which have been committed across several administrations, in every branch of government and including both parties, and which have devastated the economy and are now pauperizing the People, the topics are hot-beds for Americans today:

The following violations have occurred without any constitutional authority:

1. Dissipating, destroying and undermining America's sovereignty;

2. Meddling in the internal affairs of other countries, causing foreign nationals to direct their hostilities towards us, resulting in a growing Police State;

3. Engaging in undeclared wars ;

4. Corporate welfare/bailouts- public monies to private corporations for private purposes;

5. Circulating fiat currency;

6. Emitting Trillions of dollars of Bills of Credit through or under the auspices of the Federal Reserve System;

7. Trillions of dollars of debt to pay for programs and activities not enumerated;

8. Fraudulently ratifying the 16th Amendment, enforcing a direct, un-apportioned tax on labor; refusing to consider the evidence in court;

9. Failing to enforce immigration laws;

10. Counting our votes in secret;

11. Failing to establish well-regulated state militias, and passing federal gun control laws;

12. Taking private land for private use;

13. Failing to determine the eligibility of candidates for President;

14. Failing to respond to Petitions for Redress, in violation of the spirit and intent of the First Amendment.

A nationwide event is being planned for April 19, 2010, where the People in each state will officially deliver the Articles of Freedom to elected officials in every state capital. See more than seven million impressions on search engines for "articles of freedom."

Visit portal site for WTP at www.givemeliberty.org;  home site for Continental Congress at www.cc2009.us; and new website for Articles of Freedom, including PLEDGE for citizens to sign at www.articlesoffreedom.us
###

The National Clean Elections Lawsuit (NCEL)

Election Time Ahead: Do we have the Right to know and see our votes are being counted accurately? Will America abandon its secret voting machines in favor of fair, clean Constitutional elections? Schulz is Plaintiff in the National Clean Elections Lawsuit (NCEL)in New York State, as he challenges the constitutionality of voting machines. With full support of the non-partisan NCEL group and election integrity supporters from across America, Schulz just appealed a "Confidentiality Order" he was asked to sign saying "no thank you" to keeping records of state and other information about election machines and how elected are handled secret.

###

On the Mainstream Media in America:

"In all my years of doing this work, I have seldom seen the dominant media appear interested in anything but protecting "officialdom."  While we will conduct our efforts and interviews honorably, they will take snippets of interviews and twist them so we appear as radicals.  I have rarely heard anyone in the mainstream media sing the praises of anyone who is earnest and pure in defense of Freedom and the Constitution.  The outcome is always a hit piece, large or small.  The American people are going to change all of this one day."  -  Robert Schulz

###

We the People Foundation for Constitutional Education and We the People Congress (action arm) are non-political, non-partisan organizations, whose purpose is to protect and defend our Charters of Freedom, and hold the Vision of a New Day in America when citizen vigilance, in every state and at the federal level, is a respected and recognized part of the governmental process, and seeks to hold elected officials accountable to their Oath of Office and the U.S. Constitution.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Judith Whitmore

honoramerica@gmail.com

804 405 6505

 

02 Mar 2010

22 Iowa Employers Nominated for 2010 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award

By Maj. Melissa Phillips

Employers across the Nation Nominated for Superior Support to

Guard and Reservist Employees

ARLINGTON, Va. -­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ 24 Iowa Guard and Reserve service members nominated their employers for the 2010 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their outstanding support of their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. The Freedom Award is particularly significant because only members of the Guard and Reserve or their family members are eligible to nominate their employers for the award.

See below for a list of Iowa employers nominated for the Freedom Award, or visit www.FreedomAward.mil.

Nearly 2,500 Guard and Reserve service members, or their families, from across the country nominated their employers for outstanding support.  Nominated employers, ranging from small to large businesses and public sector employers, demonstrated support by providing continued benefits, differential pay, and family assistance.  A national selection board comprised of senior defense officials and business leaders will select up to 15 recipients for the 2010 award.  The Department of Defense will announce the 2010 Freedom Award recipients this summer.  Recipients will be presented the Freedom Award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on September 23, 2010.  

About ESGR & the Freedom Award

The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). ESGR is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 whose mission is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve Service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law and resolving conflict through mediation.  Since 1996, only 130 companies have been presented with the prestigious Freedom Award. Previous honorees include Microsoft, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Sears, Home Depot, the State of Delaware, the Santa Ana, California Police Department and the family owned farm Augustine & Sons in Rose Hill, Iowa.  For more information, please visit www.FreedomAward.mil

 

The following employers were nominated for the Freedom Award:

Pizza Ranch

Ames

Mary Greeley Medical Center

Ames

John Deere Des Moines Works

Ankeny

Des Moines Area Community College

Ankeny

Poet Biorefining Ashton

Ashton

Bemis Clysar

Camanche

Mercy Medical Center

Cedar Rapids

Rockwell Collins Inc.

Cedar Rapids

Adams County Sheriff's Office

Corning

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Des Moines

Hy-Vee Weitz Construction LLC

Des Moines

Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals

Des Moines

IBM

Dubuque

University Of Dubuque

Dubuque

GKN Armstrong Wheels

Estherville

Decker Truck Line

Fort Dodge

Wells Fargo

Fort Dodge

Poweshiek County Sheriff's Office

Montezuma

Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility

Mt. Pleasant

Menards Distribution Center

Shelby

Mercy Medical Center Sioux City

Sioux City

West Des Moines Police Department

West Des Moines
01 Mar 2010

Reward Offered for Information on Bald Eagle Shot Near Good Hope, Illinois

By SA Jason Bak

 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward of $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) who recently shot an immature bald eagle near Good Hope, Ill.

 

On Feb. 10, 2010, an injured immature bald eagle was discovered near the intersection East 1100th Street and North 2000th Road in Good Hope. The eagle was transferred to Treehouse Wildlife Center in Brighton, Ill., for emergency care and rehabilitation. Examination of the eagle revealed it had been shot and sustained a fractured wing and other injuries.

 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact either Special Agent Jason Bak with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Springfield at (217) 793-9554 or call the Illinois Department of Natural Resources T.I.P.S. Hotline at (800) 236-7529. Callers may remain anonymous

 

Even though bald eagles are no longer listed under the Endangered Species Act, bald eagles are still federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Maximum fines under theses acts are $15,000 and $100,000 respectively with possible imprisonment up to one year.

 

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov

- FWS -

22 Feb 2010

$640,862 to Iowa from the U.S. Department of Transportation

By Sen. Charles Grassley

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has awarded a $640,862 formula grant to Iowa through the State and Community Highway Safety Grant Program.

"This money will help improve safety on Iowa highways," Grassley said.

The State and Community Highway Safety Grant Program supports state highway safety programs designed to reduce traffic crashes and resulting deaths, injuries, and property damage.

-30-

22 Feb 2010

USDA ANNOUNCES GRANTS FOR DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES TO STRENGHTHEN RURAL COMMUNITIES

By Sen. Charles Grassley
GeorgiaWyoming

WASHINGTON, February 18, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of community based organizations in 18 states to receive funding to promote economic growth. USDA Rural Development Rural Housing Administrator Tammy Trevino made the announcement on Vilsack's behalf while attending an event with Senator Blanche Lincoln at the Arkansas Studies Institute in Little Rock. The organizations will receive more than $6.5 million in total grants to support rural economic development efforts.

"These funds support USDA's partnership with rural America to bring increased economic opportunity to rural citizens and communities," Vilsack said. "They will serve as investments that will help organizations build the capacity and expertise of local nonprofit groups."

For example, in Little Rock, Ark., Winrock International was selected to receive a $251,706 grant to help local groups establish economic development projects, and deliver services including energy audits, teach sustainable business practices and management.

In Bozeman, Mont., Rural Community Innovations, d/b/a National Enterprise, was selected to receive a $251,706 grant to develop a program that provides technical assistance to two non-profit tribal entities and three federally recognized tribes.  Rural Community Innovations will help organizations develop community facilities and housing for low-income and elderly residents along with at-risk and homeless youth in rural communities.

Land-of-Sky Regional Council, in Asheville, N.C., was selected to receive a $50,700 grant to provide technical assistance to help local organizations deliver housing assistance services. Training and technical assistance efforts involve financial planning and management; strategic planning; personnel selection; and sustainability.

The funding announced today is being provided through USDA Rural Development's Rural Community Development Initiative Program which helps community based development organizations, federally recognized Indian tribes and other groups promote economic growth in low-income, rural communities. Recipients are required to obtain matching funds, increasing the value of the grants. The grants are awarded to public or nonprofit intermediary organizations. The funds are then provided to recipients, which must be located in eligible rural areas. Funding of individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the conditions of the grant agreement. The grant awards announced today are not provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The list of the RCDI grant recipients includes the following:

Iowa
  • Iowa League of RC &Ds: $251,706

Minnesota

  • Corporation for Supportive Housing: $200,000
  • Greater Minnesota Housing Fund: $251,706
  • Minnesota Home Ownership Center: $251,706
  • Initiative Foundation: $251,706

USDA Rural Development administers and manages more than 40 housing, business, and community infrastructure and facilities programs.  These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $127 billion in loans and loan guarantees.

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18 Feb 2010

Governor Quinn Announces $100 Million in Recovery Funds for Rail Projects in Illinois

By Andrew Mason
$100 Million for CREATE Program; Investment to Create 1,087 Jobs
CHICAGO- February 17, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn announced today that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) along with the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program partners has received a $100 million TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This federal investment is expected to create 1,087 jobs.
"Illinois has received the most TIGER funding in the Midwest. This investment will create 1,087 jobs and bring economic growth to our communities," said Governor Quinn. "With this grant and dedicated partnerships like CREATE, Illinois continues to work to ensure our rail industry is moving forward and our state remains one of the nation's major rail hubs."
Across the nation, 1,400 applications were submitted for TIGER Grant funding and 50 projects were awarded. Here in Illinois, three applications were awarded totaling $128 million. The funds include $100 million for CREATE, $6 million for Tri-City Port District in Granite City and $22 million for the Normal Multi-modal transportation facility.
"Throughout the country, we have huge bottlenecks that restrict the flow of freight and passengers at a cost to the United States of an estimated $200 billion a year," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). "The TIGER grant program is a coordinated, comprehensive effort to identify and fund nationally significant transportation projects that will improve safety, spur economic development, reduce congestion and create thousands of good paying jobs across the country. I thank Secretary LaHood and Governor Quinn for their leadership on this issue and commend local leaders throughout Illinois for their efforts."
"These federal funds will have a tremendous impact on Illinois' economy by creating more jobs," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. "This is another major step in the right direction to improve livability, sustainability and safety across the state."
The grant funding will be targeted to six projects benefiting 13 Illinois communities. The projects will range in scope from rail line and viaduct improvements to a highway-rail grade separation. The completion of these projects by 2012 will support an estimated 1,087 jobs.
CREATE is a first-of-its-kind partnership, bringing together IDOT, the Chicago Department of Transportation and the Association of American Railroads (AAR). It is comprised of 71 critically needed rail and highway infrastructure improvements in Northeastern Illinois, aimed at improving the quality of life of Illinois residents, and increasing the efficiency of freight and passenger rail service throughout the region.
For more information, log onto www.recovery.illinois.gov or www.createprogram.org.
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