Washington, DC  -  Congressman Mike Rogers said this morning the Tuskegee Airmen National Memorial could receive a record $6,767,000 in Fiscal Year 2006, a significant development that should help accelerate construction on the $29 million Macon County project.

“We’re continuing to make real progress in moving this project forward,” Rogers said. “Obviously I’m thrilled to have helped secure these funds, but more importantly, I’m hopeful this will help ensure more of our brave Tuskegee Airmen will see the Memorial’s completion.”

Rogers said the funds were included in the Interior Department appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2006 which passed the full Appropriations Committee last night. The bill has several steps to go before being signed into law, including a vote in the full House. The bill’s companion must also be passed through committee in the Senate as well as receive a vote in the full Senate, Rogers said. Finally, the bill’s Conference Report, a compromise bill including House and Senate features, must also be passed by both houses.

“Completing this project is about honoring some of East Alabama’s finest African Americans, and it is clear we’ve been successful in growing support for the Memorial in Congress,” Rogers added. “While we’re still several steps away from final passage, I certainly appreciate the ongoing support of Senators Shelby and Sessions as the process moves forward.”

In 2005 Rogers helped secure $1.5 million for project, and helped free up an additional $1 million in 2004. Final passage of this legislation is expected some time this summer. In November 2004 Rogers wrote Office of Management and Budget Director Joshua Bolten and Interior Department Secretary Gale Norton to ask for increased support for the project.

Rogers said the Tuskegee Airmen National Memorial is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors to Macon County each year after completion.