HOOLEY WINS FUNDS FOR COUNTY

Hooley wins funds for county Congresswoman Darlene Hooley announced
the inclusion of funding for a number of projects in Oregon's 5th
District in the 2004 Omnibus Appropriations bill.

The bill includes $250,000 to fight meth production and distribution
in Lincoln County, and $200,000 for Lincoln County Transit. "Lincoln
County has struggled to pay the high costs of battling
methamphetamine, and I am thrilled to bring home these funds to help
our law enforcement do the job," Hooley said. "Eradicating Meth labs
and clamping down on this dangerous trade improves the safety of our
children and the health of our communities." The funding bill has been
approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate. The
legislation will now proceed to the President's desk to be signed into
law.

The bill will provide Lincoln County Methamphetamine Intervention
Project with $250,000 to be used for purchase of surveillance
equipment, radios, entry equipment, bullet-proof vests and other
items. The funding will also allow Lincoln County to establish a Drug
Endangered Children Program for children victimized and poisoned by
living in homes infested with methamphetamine.

"This is great news," Rob Bovett, Legal Counsel for the Lincoln
Interagency Narcotics Team (LINT), said. "We can continue to provide
the training and equipment necessary for LINT to deal with the
epidemic of meth labs and meth dealing in Lincoln County." In 2000,
LINT investigated 10 reports of meth labs and seized six. Last year,
LINT investigated 38 reports, and seized 26 illegal labs. Meth labs
have become the highest priority of LINT, due to the overall hazards
to society.

"These federal dollars will be an enormous help in Oregon's fight
against Methamphetamine distribution," Hooley said. "The federal
government has a responsibility to help local and state authorities
shut down these drug manufacturing operations." Lincoln County Transit
will receive $200,000 to be used to assist Lincoln County in building
a new bus garage replacement. "Lincoln County Transportation Service
District truly appreciates the efforts of Congresswoman Darlene Hooley
in getting through the house $200,000 for improvements in the County's
Transportation system," Cynda Bruce, Lincoln County Program Director,
said. "Congresswoman Hooley has been a genuine champion in looking out
for the best interest of her constituents. I wish to thank her for all
the work she has done to accomplish this."