As I write this late on Friday, February 6, the stimulus
package is still being debated in Congress, with some groups working to pare
down the total, mind-boggling amount and others trying to ensure that key
elements stay in. One general objection, particularly from some Republican
senators, is that the bill calls for the federal government to shoulder
responsibility for things that have usually been handled by the states, such as
building schools. Others are more focused on which agencies and organizations
funding will be available to, given the types of projects those organizations
typically carry out.For example, Senator Mary Landrieu
of Louisiana has argued for doubling the amount of funding that will go to the
US Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps would spend the money on infrastructure
projects such as flood control, storm damage mitigation, dredging, and
navigation projects; locks and dams; and environmental restoration. Many in
Louisiana and Florida, including those with interest in speeding up Everglades
projects, have supported this idea. A few days ago, in fact, Landrieu voted
against an amendment that would have added money for highway and sewer projects
but did not include the additional Corps of Engineers funding.
Just about every state has come up with lists of
candidate projects for the funding; most started doing so as soon as the
stimulus plan was proposed back in early December. Are you able to
pinpoint—assuming the package passes—what specific effects this might have on
your program?