Washington, DC -  Congressman Mike Rogers announced today the Talladega Mountains Natural Resource Center in Cleburne County should receive $2 million in the six-year transportation bill that passed the House today by a vote of 357-65. The funds would help construct a building to house educational programs by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and would help advance the cause of natural protection, management, research and education in Northeast Alabama.

“The Talladega Mountains Natural Resource Center is a vital economic development project in the region,” Rogers said. “I appreciate the support of the House leadership, as well as Senators Shelby and Sessions, in securing these funds, and look forward to working with state and local officials to help move this project forward.”

Rogers noted the facility would be located near I-20 in Cleburne County, and would help attract tourists to the region. Future plans call for the facility to house extension classes for Jacksonville State University students. H.R. 3550, the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU), provides approximately $280 billion in funding for federal-aid highway, mass transit, safety, and research programs over the six year period of FY 2004 to FY 2009. Rogers also said the bill would help create thousands of jobs all across Alabama over the next several years.

“In particular, I would like to thank Speaker Hastert for his vital support for this project, and appreciate his willingness to accommodate this and other Third District transportation priorities.”

 

Rogers added he would continue to seek funds in 2004 for this and other Third District transportation priorities both in the transportation bill and through the appropriations process. The House and Senate must now pass the bill’s conference report and send that legislation to President Bush before the money will be appropriated.