#2 - Infrastructure Investments

On December 6, 2008 Barack Obama announced plans to infuse the nation with money and jobs through “the single largest new investment in our national infrastructure since the creation of the Federal highway system in the 1950s.” Contingent to this plan, he stated that if states do not use the money quickly, it will be reallocated to areas where the stimulus can immediately be put to use.

Priority will be given to projects defined as “shovel ready,” meaning those that can be put into action in 90-120 days. The various proposals put forth have caused debate as to whether or not projects would actually be able to get undertaken that quickly, and if they would create new jobs or simply temporary work. However, state and local governments are wasting no time presenting their requests to the federal government. The U.S. Conference of Mayors presented a list of more than 11,000 projects totaling more than $73 billion that they claim could create 847,641 new jobs in the next 2 years. Several groups, including Tom Schatz, President of Citizens Against Government Waste, have criticized the proposals. Schatz argues that the proposed funding is not being allocated to infrastructure investments along, but pork-barrel projects as well. He warns it will be a test of the new administration on their stand against pet projects as a policy.

The Obama transition team, along with some Congressional members, has suggested that the focus should be on roads, utilities, and basic infrastructure needed to keep the nation’s economy and transportation industry strong. As more projects are continuing to be proposed, it is unclear how much wider this net will be cast.