For Release: Thursday, October 5, 2006
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

U.S. CONGRESSMAN JERRY COSTELLO RECEIVES FARM BUREAU "FRIEND OF AGRICULTURE" AWARD

Evansville, IL - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) was presented with the Illinois Farm Bureau "Friend of Agriculture" Award at a meeting hosted by the Lower Kaskaskia Stakeholders, Inc., on Wednesday, October 4, 2006, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Evansville.

The "Friend of Agriculture" Award is determined by support of issues of importance to Illinois farmers before Congress.  Costello has been a strong supporter of increasing the use of ethanol and bio-diesel, modernizing the locks and dams on the Mississippi River and other policies important to the farm economy.

"I am grateful to the Illinois Farm Bureau for this award," said Costello. "I will continue to support legislation that is beneficial to the American farmer and will work for programs that expand the agricultural markets for southwestern and southern Illinois."

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