Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Saks) last night reached a surprise agreement with House appropriators to add $1 million for Calhoun County’s Eastern Bypass, giving the McClellan community an added boost that accelerates the highway project.

Rogers was able to insert the highway funding into the transportation portion of the FY2003 Omnibus bill, a massive piece of legislation that funds the Federal government for the current fiscal year.

While Rogers has been working closely with state and local leaders to secure Eastern Bypass funding, the timing of the $1 million appropriation represents an unexpected boost.

“This funding is a home run for McClellan,” Rogers said. “The Eastern Bypass is vital for the region’s economic development and McClellan’s growth, and I certainly appreciate the help of my Alabama colleagues, especially Senator Shelby, in improving Northeast Alabama’s transportation system.”

Joint Powers Authority Executive Director Dan Cleckler was equally enthusiastic about the news.

“This is great news,” he said. “The Eastern Bypass is vital for McClellan’s development and we’re thrilled Congressman Rogers is following through with his commitment to fund the project,” he said.