United States Senator Richard Shelby (R - Ala.) will address Pike Countians at a luncheon today sponsored by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and the Pike County Economic Development Corporation. The luncheon, to be held at noon, will take place at the Pike County Cattlemen's Complex on Highway 231, just south of Troy.

Shelby, Chair of the Senate Banking Committee, is expected to discuss his legislative agenda for the 108th Congress and numerous issues facing the nation and the state of Alabama. Following his remarks, Shelby will open the floor to questions and comments from those in attendance.

&uot;Over the years, these meetings have provided an excellent opportunity for the area residents to listen and voice their opinions on the activities of our government. This will be a great chance to discuss the important issues facing our state and our nation in the 108th Congress,&uot; Shelby said.

Shelby has publicly committed to restoring confidence in capital markets in the wake of the Enron, Global Crossing, WorldCom and other major economic meltdowns.

Shelby recently announced millions of dollars in federal money for a variety of Alabama projects. Among them are $3 million for the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, $250,000 for the City of Montgomery's Riverfront District Community Policing Initiative and $700,000 for an Alkaline Digester Carcass Disposal System to be placed in Elba.

Additionally, Shelby secured $81 million for the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to implement a health study of PCB exposure in Anniston and examine what has been called one of the worst cases of pollution the country has ever seen. Record levels of the toxin have been linked to vast numbers of illnesses in the area, leading to nationwide scrutiny of Monsanto's practice of dumping chemicals there over the course of several decades.

Shelby has also been a leading advocate of the United States starting a war with Iraq.

&uot;I will continue to support responsible policies that will prevent Iraq from endangering our allies and American interests in the region,&uot; he said recently, throwing his support in favor of a Congressional resolution authorizing force to topple Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

Stephen Stetson can be reached at stephen.stetson @troymessenger.com.