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Patrick Announces Billion-Dollar Spending PlanStaff reports
iBerkshires
01:01PM / Thursday, December 18, 2008
BOSTON — Gov. Deval Patrick is planning to pump $1 billion into the state's economy through construction projects over the next six months.
The governor made the announcement on Wednesay as he laid out plans for maximizing a hoped-for influx of federal monies from the proposed economic stimulus plan being hammered out by Congress and the incoming Obama administration.
"President-elect Obama and members of Congress understand that our country's economic recovery depends on putting our citizens back to work today," said Patrick, a friend and political colleague of the president-elect. "'Use It or Lose It' funding requires that shovels be ready to go in the ground on a moment's notice. This mobilization plan will ensure we are ready to do just that — build worthwhile projects, create jobs and return the Massachusetts economy to prosperity."
In separate meetings with members of the state's congressional delegation, legislators, economic experts, and representatives from the construction, labor and business industries, the governor outlined the Patrick-Murray administration's efforts to advance so-called smart projects that could get the state's economy back on track and build a stronger foundation.
The list includes nearly $5 billion in projects that could be ready for groundbreaking by spring. Smart projects are those that have undergone through a comprehensive strategic review designed to cut costs and advance construction. The refurbishment of the Hadley Overpass in North Adams was the first project to come out of that system.
Photos courtesy the governor's office
Gov. Deval Patrick meets with the state's congressional delegation |
The updated capital spending plan for includes some $1.55 billion in statewide infrastructure renovations and improvements, such as $400,000 for the Greylock Glen's proposed educational and recreational center in Adams; $8 million for the ongoing road improvements to the state's highest peak, $30,000 for a temporary ramp at Berkshire Superior Court in Pittsfield and $150 million in Chapter 90 funds for local roads.
The investments include state and federal funding for fiscal year 2009. Spending was scaled back to limit debt service to no more than 8 percent of budgeted revenues. As such, the bond cap has been reduced by $50 million to $1.575 billion for fiscal 2009. Revenue projections will continue to affect planning in the coming years.
"The capital plan we released today will keep Massachusetts on track during these difficult economic times," said Administration and Finance Secretary Leslie A. Kirwan. "By maintaining our commitment to higher education, transportation, clean and renewable energy and infrastructure improvements, we can help ensure the commonwealth emerges from these challenging times stronger than ever before."
Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray and members of the cabinet will lead "Project Delivery Task Forces" that will review and further develop a preliminary list of projects which may be elegible for federal dollars and "mobilize" them for advancement. The task forces will focus on clean energy and efficiency, education facilities, transportation, information technology, private development, state facilities and courts and municipal facilities.
"Federal funds will support a wide range of clean energy, education, health care and other projects that are critical to the commonwealth's future," said Murray. "It is imperative that we approach this opportunity as comprehensively and as efficiently as possible."
The task force will evaluate projects based on the principles of long-term sustainability and benefit, diversity and local goods and services first. Project recommendations are due to the governor prior to the inauguration of former Illinois Sen. Barack Obama on Jan. 20.
The full capital plan can be found in PDF form at www.mass.gov/capital. |
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