By Staff
special to The Star
Dec. 9, 2003
WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering voted Monday for the 2003 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which would earmark more than $31 million in the 3rd Congressional District.
The bill cleared the House of Representatives 242-176.
Lauderdale and Kemper county projects that would be funded by the bill include the following:
Grand Opera House renovation: $1 million.
Meridian wastewater infrastructure: $500,000.
Regional Counter Drug Training Academy at Naval Air Station Meridian: $300,000.
Rossie Coats Road in Kemper County: $150,000.
Pickering said the Grand Opera House restoration project, part of the Riley Education and Performing Arts Center, will showcase the performing arts of Mississippi and the South.
He also said wastewater infrastructure is important in Meridian for new residential and commercial development. And, he said, the Regional Counter Drug Training Academy at NAS Meridian "further diversifies the crucial necessity of this facility on a regional and national level."
The 2003 Omnibus Appropriations Bill must still be passed by the US Senate. For a full list of 3rd District projects in the bill, visit www.house.gov/pickering/omnibus.doc.