On a day when President Barack Obama signed a $410 billion appropriations bill packed with "imperfect" earmarks, 14th District Congressman Bill Foster said his projects would pass the presidential smell test for pork projects.

Foster touted more than $4 million for local projects Wednesday, saying he's proud of the process he used to secure the funds.

"We were completely transparent and put every single appropriations request we submitted on our Web site," Foster said in a written statement.

That move answers a call by Obama for more public accountability by lawmakers for their earmark requests, particularly those that give private companies money. None of the $4 million Foster requested will go directly to private companies.

Foster Spokesperson Shannon O'Brien said although the requests may be earmarks, they aren't the kind Obama wants to eliminate.

"Given that President Obama used to represent the families that will benefit from these funds, we are confident that he would approve of our transparent process and the results - stronger schools, more police and growing the economy," O'Brien said.

Where the money will go:

• DeKalb's Taylor Municipal Airport - $1.24 million. Helps fund the operations, maintenance and security of the airport.

• Eola Road and Interstate 88 Interchange Project in Aurora - $950,000. Helps Aurora buy land to build the interchange and relieve traffic congestion on Route 59.

• West Bank Riverfront Project in Elgin - $475,000. Preserves and creates a pedestrian-friendly west bank on the Fox River.

• Carpentersville Community Response Team - $400,000. Expands Community Response Team to combat gang and drug violence.

• Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove - $381,000. Helps fund the computer information occupational training and automotive technology occupational training programs.

• Aurora Police Department - $250,000. Helps purchase new equipment.

• Elgin Police Department - $250,000. Helps purchase new equipment.

• Elgin Community College - $100,000. Helps fund the college's automotive vocational training program.

• Elgin Boys and Girls Club - $95,000. Supports an after-school program for low-income middle school students that focuses on reading, homework assistance, financial literacy and substance abuse prevention.

Total for Kane County area and DeKalb airport: $4,141,000