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February 12th, 2009
THE DIG
Building the National Infrastructure Bank
Infrastructure of the stimulus plan: Overall public works spending

Tom McNamara, Blueprint America

What has often been referenced as a new New Deal, similar to initiatives instituted during the Great Depression, the following is a breakdown of federal funds from Congress’ economic stimulus devoted to projects or spending that is related to or will affect infrastructure in the U.S.

[Education] [Energy] [General Infrastructure] [State Block Grants]

EDUCATION
$47 billion Though much of the funds are dedicated to prevent cuts in state aid to school districts, there is flexibility to also use the money for school modernization and repair.
ENERGY
$5 billion To weatherize modest-income homes.
$11 billion To develop the “smart electricity grid” to reduce waste.
$13.9 billion In subsidized loans for renewable energy projects.
$6.3 billion In state energy efficiency and clean energy grants.
$4.5 billion To make federal buildings more energy efficient.
GENERAL INFRASTRUCTURE
$27 billion For highway and bridge construction and repair.
$8.4 billion For mass transit.
$8 billion For construction of high-speed railways.
$1.3 billion For Amtrak.
$4.6 billion For projects for the Army Corps of Engineers.
$4 billion In public housing improvements.
$6.4 billion For clean and drinking water projects.
$7 billion To expand broadband Internet service to underserved areas.
“Work pays America! Prosperity.” Designed in New York as part of the WPA Federal Art Project between 1936 and 1941. STATE BLOCK GRANTS
$8 billion In aid to states to relieve budget deficits.

Sources: American Public Transportation Association, The Associated Press, House Appropriations and Ways and Means committees, Library of Congress (W.P.A. images), Senate Appropriations and Finance committees, The Wall Street Journal


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2 Responses to “Infrastructure of the stimulus plan: Overall public works spending”
  1. Harry Morris says:

    I heard that Sen Read had inserted an eight billion appropriation for a high speed rail from LA to Las Vegas. Is that true.

  2. Jeaninne Scott-Lamb says:

    Thank you for this breakdown of the infrastructure portion of the stimulus. I would double it. Not nearly enough especially in renewable energy. JSL

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