Mayor Bernard Carvalho yesterday provided a list of projects to the state’s Congressional delegation to be considered for economic stimulus funding from the federal government, according to a written statement. “These projects will create jobs now and will provide badly
Mayor Bernard Carvalho yesterday provided a list of projects to the state’s Congressional delegation to be considered for economic stimulus funding from the federal government, according to a written statement.
“These projects will create jobs now and will provide badly needed infrastructure upgrades that will allow for future economic development,” Carvalho said in the statement. “We are grateful to Senators Inouye and Akaka, along with Representatives Hirono and Abercrombie, for being our strong advocates in Washington, D.C.”
The includes 27 projects totaling $102 million that could be acted upon immediately when and if funds become available.
“The base criteria included a provision that the county must be ready to issue a notice-to-proceed for the project no later than June 2009,” said Administrative Assistant Gary Heu in the statement.
Heu, who worked with county department heads to compile the list, added that high priority was given to projects in the following categories:
∫ Federal compliance projects
∫ Bridges and roads
∫ Affordable housing
∫ Expansion of The Kaua‘i Bus
∫ Water facility expansion
According to the release, Congressional members indicated to the mayor that they have no guarantee when or if additional economic stimulus funds will be released; however, they wanted to be prepared to take advantage of short-term opportunities as they arise.
The county is also working with the state to fast-track $140 million in capital improvement projects over the next 18 months, and is compiling an additional list of county projects that could be funded through a pending bond float.
“The quickest way to stimulate our economy is to get these CIP projects flowing,” Carvalho said. “We are committed to making that happen.”
