The Recovery Act invested millions in new projects that are improving our infrastructue, repairing homes, and much more. But it also provided millions in direct benefits for families, students, businesses, investors, and more including more than $288 million in various forms of tax relief. Guidance on how to access each of those benefits is below.
Submitted by Texas Impact on Wed, 05/12/2010 - 02:28
John Barton from the Texas Department of Transportation testified today to the Select Committee on Federal Economic Stabilization Funding. He updated committee members on the total amount of ARRA funds that have been obligated, how much money has been spent, the number of jobs created, and some specific infrastructure improvements.
TXDOT received $2.7 billion in Recovery Act funds and has obligated all of the money in various projects around the state. The money will be used to repair and maintain bridges and highways, in rural development projects, to support metropolitan planning organizations, in general aviation, to build a ferry boat, and to create a series of walking trails and bike paths. Of the $2.7 billion, $433 million has been paid out to 543 contracts. This has created more than 6,000 jobs across Texas.
Click here to see if TXDOT stimulus funds are being used in your neighborhood.
Barton reported that there have been concerns at the federal level that Texas is not using its ARRA money fast enough. While Texas has spent roughly 22.5% of its ARRA funds, the national average is around 29%. Barton explained that this was because many other states are investing in small, 'shovel ready' maintenance projects, whereas Texas is choosing to focus much of its money on "legacy projects" that will sustain jobs for two to three years and will significantly improve transportation infrastructure in Texas. He assured legislators that TXDOT will be able to spend all of its allocated money.
One interesting step that TXDOT chose to take, was to require on-the-job training for all projects that received more than one million dollars in ARRA funds. Barton said that he hopes that this provides lasting opportunities to low-skilled workers in Texas.
You can watch Barton's testimony here.
»
- Login to post comments
