Rell wants list of "shovel ready" projects if feds send aid

[dtotire]

If every governor does the same we should see results by the end of next year

Rell wants list of "shovel ready" projects if feds send aid
Saturday, November 29, 2008 2:45 AM EST
By SUSAN HAIGH
Associated Press Writer

HARTFORD -- Gov. M. Jodi Rell has asked state agencies to come up with a list of projects that are ready to be built if the state receives federal stimulus funding.

Rell directed the departments of Public Works, Transportation and Economic and Community Development to prioritize any "shovel ready" projects. They may include road, bridge, rail, and public buildings projects, and economic development and housing initiatives in the final design stages.

"I want them ready to go, so if the money comes through then we're ready to put the shovel in the ground," Rell said Friday.

The Republican governor is scheduled to attend a meeting of governors from across the country in Philadelphia on Tuesday. President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden are expected to talk with governors about how the economic crisis is crimping states and their budgets.
Obama has asked Congress to ready an economic stimulus program for him to sign as soon as possible after he takes office on Jan. 20.

Many economists think that aid to state and local governments should be tops on the agenda for any new stimulus spending, as they have less borrowing authority than the federal government during an economic downturn. That means states are slashing budgets as the slowdown causes tax revenues fall.


http://www.bristolpress.com/articles/2008/11/29/news/doc4930f27a0a474215822222.txt

[Pab Sungenis]

1. Jodi Rell is a very intelligent woman and very capable governor.

Why the hell is she a Republican?

[Doctor_J]

2. Gov Rell sounds like a candidate for the Cabinet

I personally would like to see us, while in power, further drive a wedge between the sane Repukes and the Hate Radio/Palin wing.