Stimulus Funds and Transportation
February 26, 2009 -
This big news in state government these days is how much money we are getting from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the stimulus package). Maine will be getting approximately $162 million for Transportation in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Overall, we will spend $978,000,000 on Transportation during 2010-2011.
Here's how the stimulus money breaks down:
-Highways in Bridges: $130.7 million
-Transit: $13.2 million
-Aviation: $18-20 million
What does this mean for Maine? Immediate jobs. Based upon existed estimates, the funding above will support 3,500 jobs. All projects chosen to receive funds had to be advertised for construction bids within 120 days. The biggest project, by far, is I-295 Northbound Brunswick to Gardiner. It include 23.88 miles and will cost $35 million. Some other big projects include: Route 1A in Ellsworth ($9.25 million), and Rt 9 Lisbon and Sabattus ($11.1 million).
But what are we as Portlanders getting?
-Veranda Street Bridge: $1,185,000
-Allen Avenue: north to Riverside Industrial Parkway - $338,709
-Cumberland Avenue: from Franklin Arterial extending to Elm Street - $220,781
-Westbrook Street: from Congress Street to Westbrook town line - $319,975
-Auburn Street: intersection improvement with signal at Auburn Street and Lyseth Moore Drive - $325,000
There are also competitive grants for projects. Maine DOT will aggressively pursuing funding for these, and here are some potential candidates:
-$35 million for the Downeaster extension from Portland to Brunswick from either the $1.5 billion for competitive grants for surface transportation, or possibly from the $8 billion for high speed / intercity passenger rail.
-$60 million for Veteran's Bridge in Portland
I hope this gives you a flavor of stimulus transportation package. Please contact me with questions anytime
- Justin
