WASHINGTON - A new Interstate 57 interchange in Coles County is included in a $217 billion measure approved Tuesday by the House Transportation Committee. The bill to be considered by the full House next Tuesday or Wednesday includes $15 million for a new interchange that would be north of Mattoon. But that figure could change between now and next week as representatives look at special funding for about 1,000 road and bridge projects across the country. Some suggest the final funding level will be about $8.5 million. The Coles County project is in an early stage, but local officials say having the funding commitment would be a big boost for a project considered vital to the economic development efforts in Mattoon, Charleston and on Lake Shelbyville. David Gillies, a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Glenn Poshard, said inclusion of the Coles County project in committee bodes well for its chances, but said the amount certainly would change. Once the House passes the bill - which is likely - it then would go to a conference committee with the Senate, where the final project list with amounts will be determined. Poshard, a Marion Democrat, is on the Transportation committee that approved sending the measure to the House…

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