News

02/17/2009 - Missouri Bridge Kicks Off Stimulus Spending

Associated Press

Missouri - Minutes after President Barack Obama signed the $787 billion stimulus package on Tuesday, transportation officials began construction on reportedly the first stimulus-funded project in the nation. Monitoring Obama's signing by video, members of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission voted to approve the 76-year-old bridge's replacement and 3 other projects within one minute of the signing.

Missouri Department of Transportation Director Pete Rahn said the rush to start using the state's $637 million portion of the stimulus package was intended to demonstrate how quickly the funds could help boost the economy. "This is a great project," Rahn said. "It's something desperately needed, and there is no question it would not be addressed without stimulus money."

The $8.5 million bridge project to replace the crumbling bridge over the Osage River was not scheduled to begin until 2010. According to a press release from MoDOT, the transportation portion of the bill will results in an estimated 14,000 jobs and a $2.9 billion boost to the state's economy.

In past issues of The Tom Warne Report I have noted that some states were doing better about preparing than others to spend the stimulus money when it became available. MoDOT clearly was out in front in doing what was intended by the bill--creating jobs. Congratulations to Pete Rahn and his MoDOT team for setting the pace for what will be a busy spring of contract lettings. TW