Q: There has been lots of buzz on some exciting Quad-City projects, but I'm wondering when we're actually going to start to things happen with them. I'm talking about new Interstate 74 bridge as well as the planned Kone Centre tower and Amtrak station planned for Moline.

- Paul, Rock Island

A: Paul, all of the things you mentioned take time and money, but all projects remain on schedule.

Officials with the Iowa Department of Transportation don't expect construction of the new bridge, which is estimated at $900 million in 2008 dollars, to begin until 2015. The timing depends on getting the money, with the federal government expected to play a major role.

Regarding the Kone Centre, a groundbreaking took place last November, but actual construction still has not begun. Developer Rodney Blackwell said building a high-rise takes a little bit of time. Still, he said all contracts are in place. "We're moving 100 percent forward."

Construction on the 18-story building should begin in September, he said.

As for the Amtrak station, it is expected to cost $1 million to adapt Centre Station in Moline for that use, according to Moline Mayor Don Welvaert. Regardless, service from Chicago to the Quad-Cities isn't expected to begin for at least two years, according to local officials.

Q: I received an e-mail saying that cell phone numbers go public next month, and that all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies, and we will start to receive sales calls. Further, it says we will be charged for the calls, and that even if we don't answer we will be charged for the minutes taken to listen to the message. Is this true?

- Lois, Quad-Cities

A: Lois, this e-mail is not true. I'm constantly shaking my head trying to understand why people circulate such untruths.

I received a similar question to this a year or so ago, but apparently the e-mail continues to make the rounds. According to the Federal Trade Commission, or FCC, the numbers are not being released to telemarketers. FCC regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers. Automated dialers are standard in the industry, so most telemarketers are barred from calling consumers on their cell phones without their consent.

Further, the national associations representing telemarketers have stated that their members do not intend to start calling consumers' cell phones.

Meanwhile, the telecommunications industry has been discussing the possibility of creating a wireless 411 directory. According to the Federal Communications Commission, even if a directory is established, most telemarketing calls to cell phones still would be illegal.

Finally, you can always register your cell phone number with the National Do Not Call registry. With the registry, you place your phone number on a list which telemarketers are prohibited from calling. You can register your number at (888) 382-1222 (you must call from the number you're registering) or go to www.donotcall.gov.