I guess we file this under "paving the road with good intentions". Anyone else wondering if rushing that bill through Congress may have caused a few "bugs" to slip though unnoticed?
Altogether, the government is set to spend 50 percent more per person in areas with the lowest unemployment than it will in communities with the highest.
The AP reviewed $18.9 billion in projects, the most complete picture available of where states plan to spend the first wave of highway money. The projects account for about half of the $38 billion set aside for states and local governments to spend on roads, bridges and infrastructure in the stimulus plan.
The very promise that Obama made, to spend money quickly and create jobs, is locking out many struggling communities needing those jobs.
The money goes to projects ready to start. But many struggling communities don't have projects waiting on a shelf. They couldn't afford the millions of dollars for preparation and plans that often is required.
2 comments:
In defense of the way the Stimulus is being spent in this instance: People for generations have moved to areas when jobs become available. If there isn't something good to spend the money on in a specific area, then we shouldn't just dump the money there and waste it.
I guess the question I would have in response is, "Will busses be available to transport people?" For those who have been out of work a long time, the expense of a car could make the difference between taking the job being profitable or a negative result over unemployment.
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