In recent weeks we’ve been hearing plenty of grim economic predictions about the months ahead. Certainly the unemployment and foreclosure statistics, and the all-too-real impacts that result for local families, offer great cause for concern. But the government’s announced plans,
In recent weeks we’ve been hearing plenty of grim economic predictions about the months ahead. Certainly the unemployment and foreclosure statistics, and the all-too-real impacts that result for local families, offer great cause for concern. But the government’s announced plans, programs and requests to pump money back into the economy offer some hopeful investments for the future.
In November, the Governor’s office announced a five-point action plan that includes a commitment to: Increase tourism outreach and marketing; invest in improvements to our infrastructure and state facilities; lower business fees and provide tax relief; attract outside investment, especially in energy; and maximize federal dollars and partnerships.
The plan focuses heavily on capital improvement projects, which will include road and school improvements, both sorely needed on Kaua‘i.
A huge federal economic stimulus plan to provide funding to state and local governments has been promised for the past few months. In preparation, the County of Kaua‘i presented a $102 million list of desired projects to our congressional delegation. The list includes numerous water, solid waste, transportation, road, building and park improvements. Most of the projects are for repair and replacement of existing facilities.
To give us an actual idea of what the economic stimulus may be, last Thursday President-elect Obama announced a bold, broad-reaching plan of expenditures and tax cuts which would: Double the production of alternative energy over three years and update the way we get electricity by creating a smart grid; update most federal buildings and 2 million homes to improve energy efficiency; invest in science, research and technology, and make medical records electronic; expand broadband networks to allow connectivity even in rural areas; equip and update schools and universities with new computers, labs and libraries; repair deteriorating infrastructure; and offer a tax cut for most taxpayers.
Called the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act, Obama’s plan is projected to cost a staggering $800 billion. It still has to gain approval from Congress, but work has been taking place behind the scenes to ensure its success once he takes office.
Whether all of these plans come to fruition and what this will mean for Kaua‘i is still to be seen, but I am struck by the synergy among these various plans. They tackle the long-overdue reconstruction of some of our most important public infrastructure. And they go even further, using innovation to move us toward energy independence, creating green jobs and establishing systems needed to nudge us toward sustainability, increased opportunities and greater economic prosperity.
As citizens, we can ensure that the economic stimulus programs approved go far beyond just building and repairing roads and other infrastructure. This is a rare opportunity. Let your elected officials know the kind of projects that will help us achieve the vision we talk about in our long-range community planning sessions. Money will be spent. Why not put funding toward projects that will increase our quality of life not just today but far into the future? Now that’s an investment I can live with.
• Diane Zachary is president and CEO of Kaua‘i Planning & Action Alliance. She can be reached at dzachary@kauainetwork.org
