POSHARD APPOINTED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

CARBONDALE - Southern Illinois Congressman Glenn Poshard is now a member of the Public Works and Transportation Committee.

"This assignment will help me work on a number of issues and projects that are important to Southern Illinois," Poshard said. He joins Congressman Bill Emerson, who is already a member of the committee.

Poshard said special attention will be devoted to the $1 billion Olmsted Locke and Dam project on the Ohio River, improving access between Carbondale and St. Louis, and between Marion and Harrisburg, and conversion of Scott Air Force Base to a joint military and civilian use facility.

Poshard learned of his assignment Friday from House Speaker Thomas Foley. In making the assignment, Foley said: "Glenn Poshard deserved this assignment because of his ability and willingness to put in the hard work necessary to get things done. I am confident he will be a tremendous asset to his district, the committee, and the country."

"We face no greater challenge in Southern Illinois than providing jobs and the basic infrastructures necessary to improve the quality of life for the people of our area. Serving on the Public Works Committee puts me on the front line of that effort," he said.

The Southern Illinois representative is also petitioning for temporary membership on the Education and Labor Committee. That would allow him to vote, attend hearings, and take an active role in committee business.

In addition to Public Works, Poshard will continue to serve on the Small Business committee, working on behalf of the men and woman who provide the majority of the business activity in Southern Illinois, he said.