Leaders with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center announced Wednesday that $3 million from an Interior Department appropriations bill will go to the center.

        President Bush signed the bill this week.

        The money will support construction and exhibits at the facility, to open on Cincinnati's riverfront in 2004.

        “Federal funding ... has always been an essential part of the overall plan,” said Ed Rigaud, president and CEO of the center.

        “It is a national project, telling a national story. The legislation demonstrates America's deep desire to end the negative legacy” of slavery.

        In total, the Freedom Center project is expected to cost $80 million.

        So far, more than $71 million has been raised, including this week's appropriation. Nearly $41 million of that comes from private sources, including individuals, corporations and foundations.

        At least half of all the funding is expected to come from taxpayers, including:

        • A $3.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

        • A $7 million appropriation from the Interior Department for 2001.

        • $4.55 million from the state of Ohio, with an overall goal of $15 million.

        • $6 million from Hamilton County in the form of an in-kind contribution for the parking garage platform.

        • $6 million and the riverfront location from the city of Cincinnati.

        Mr. Rigaud said the appropriation is a credit to the efforts of Reps. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, Stephanie Tubbs Jones, D-Ohio, and Ralph Regula, R-Ohio; and Sen. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio.

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