FORT WRIGHT — The Southbank Shuttle fleet might be getting an upgrade thanks to $1.5 million in federal money.

        The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky operates the shuttle and will use the money to buy six new buses for the routes that operate between Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky's main river cities — Covington, Newport and Bellevue.

        The new buses are expected to be delivered by the spring of 2003, TANK General Manager Mark Donaghy said Friday.

        The money was included in the transportation bill approved Friday by the U.S. House of Representatives.

        It is expected to pass the Senate as early as next week and then be signed into law by President Bush.

        Mr. Donaghy said U.S. Rep. Ken Lucas, the Boone County Democrat representing Kentucky's 4th Congressional District, was instrumental in securing the funds.

        “Ken Lucas personally went to bat for us by testifying before the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee on this money,” Mr. Donaghy said.

        “That helped a great deal.”

        U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning, a Southgate Republican, said he was able to include the money in the Senate budget.

County gets a nudge on Banks project
Mother says she shot to stop child molester
Fans gently weep for Harrison
Beatles' guitarist influenced generations
Frampton recalls sharing music with former Beatle
Witness recounts Wehrung talk
College unveils new name, logo
Hopes high for new city political era
House OKs $2M for bridge study
Hunting season coming to end
Ind. Christmas train a hit
Jews to share stories in Israel
NAACP's Bond stresses need to fight racism
New ways of worship mean survival
Schools may be replaced
Successful program expands
Traffic helicopters no longer grounded
Tristate A.M. Report
MCNUTT: Warren County
SAMPLES: Meeting goals
THOMPSON: Jewelry for a cause
Butler looks at tax
Indictment made in kidnap case
Lebanon manager bows out
Officer of year selected
Teen hurdles onto cola label
Witness: Accused has mental troubles
Woman to serve 25 days in jail
Speaker drops demand for two-day tax break
Bill lets TANK add 6 new buses
D. Bunning will have day before panel
Defeat won't diminish fans' football season
Kentucky News Briefs
Push on to add family courts
State waives tuition for adopted kids
U of L suspends TKE fraternity
Women's Crisis Center giving gifts to residents