JEFFERSON STREETSCAPE PROJECT TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL FEDERAL FUNDING

December 9, 2009

LATHAM SECURES FUNDS IN OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS BILL

WASHINGTON, DC ­ Iowa Congressman Tom Latham announced today that he has secured additional federal funding for a streetscape project in Jefferson.

The federal funds will help cover the costs of planning and environmental reports as the City of Jefferson begins the first phase of a streetscape initiative. The project, which covers a four-block area around the Greene County Courthouse, will include underground wiring for signal controls, sidewalk refacing and general improvements from the back of curbs to building faces.

"This project will have huge benefits for the Jefferson community," Congressman Latham said. "It will attract development and add to the local tax base. I¹m pleased that additional funds have been made available to keep the project moving."

The project was originally slated to receive $385,000 in federal transportation funds, but Congressman Latham was able to increase the dollar amount to $400,000 as the appropriations process continued in Congress.

The increased funding is contained in an omnibus appropriations bill approved by a House-Senate conference committee Tuesday evening.  The bill must now gain the approval of the full U.S. House of Representatives and Senate before it can be sent to the White House for President Obama¹s signature.