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[Perchoutofwater]

After a flurry of stimulus spending, questionable projects pile up
By: Susan Ferrechio
Chief Congressional Correspondent
November 3, 2009

The $787 billion stimulus bill was passed in February and was promised as a job saver and economy booster. Here is where some of the money went:

- $300,000 for a GPS-equipped helicopter to hunt for radioactive rabbit droppings at the Hanford nuclear reservation in Washington state.

- $30 million for a spring training baseball complex for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.

- $11 million for Microsoft to build a bridge connecting its two headquarter campuses in Redmond, Wash., which are separated by a highway.

- $430,000 to repair a bridge in Iowa County, Wis., that carries 10 or fewer cars per day.

- $800,000 for the John Murtha Airport in Johnstown, Pa., serving about 20 passengers per day, to build a backup runway.

- $219,000 for Syracuse University to study the sex lives of freshmen women.

- $2.3 million for the U.S. Forest Service to rear large numbers of arthropods, including the Asian longhorned beetle, the nun moth and the woolly adelgid.

- $3.4 million for a 13-foot tunnel for turtles and other wildlife attempting to cross U.S. 27 in Lake Jackson, Fla.

- $1.15 million to install a guardrail for a persistently dry lake bed in Guymon, Okla.

- $9.38 million to renovate a century-old train depot in Lancaster County, Pa., that has not been used for three decades.

- $2.5 million in stimulus checks sent to the deceased.

- $6 million for a snow-making facility in Duluth, Minn.

- $173,834 to weatherize eight pickup trucks in Madison County, Ill.

- $20,000 for a fish sperm freezer at the Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery in South Dakota.

- $380,000 to spay and neuter pets in Wichita, Kan.

- $300 apiece for thousands of signs at road construction sites across the country announcing that the projects are funded by stimulus money.

- $1.5 million for a fence to block would-be jumpers from leaping off the All-American Bridge in Akron, Ohio.

- $1 million to study the health effects of environmentally friendly public housing on 300 people in Chicago.

- $356,000 for Indiana University to study childhood comprehension of foreign accents compared with native speech.

- $983,952 for street beautification in Ann Arbor, Mich., including decorative lighting, trees, benches and bike paths.

- $148,438 for Washington State University to analyze the use of marijuana in conjunction with medications like morphine.

- $462,000 to purchase 22 concrete toilets for use in the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri

- $3.1 million to transform a canal barge into a floating museum that will travel the Erie Canal in New York state.

- $1.3 million on government arts jobs in Maine, including $30,000 for basket makers, $20,000 for storytelling and $12,500 for a music festival.

- $71,000 for a hybrid car to be used by student drivers in Colchester, Vt., as well as a plug-in hybrid for town workers decked out with a sign touting the vehicle's energy efficiency.

- $1 million for Portland, Ore., to replace 100 aging bike lockers and build a garage that would house 250 bicycles.

Sources: News reports, Office of the Senate Minority Leader, Office of Sen. Tom Coburn

sferrechio@washingtonexaminer.com

Don't you feel stimulated? I believe I've just been stimulated to puke.

[wiegie]

$219,000 for Syracuse University to study the sex lives of freshmen women.

I am appalled. $219,000 is not near enough money for this project. (how in the hell are they going to film everything in HD with that sort of meager budget?)

[wiegie]

ok, let's just assume that all of the above projects are pure waste with absolutely no stimulative effects

we will also assume that these are the most egregious forms of waste (because if there were more egregious forms of waste, then the reporter would certainly have mentioned them)

The end result is that about $79 million has been wasted which represents about 1 hundredth of one percent of the total stimulus package.

I'd say that commendations to the government are in order for doing such a great job.

[caddyman]

ok, let's just assume that all of the above projects are pure waste with absolutely no stimulative effects

we will also assume that these are the most egregious forms of waste (because if there were more egregious forms of waste, then the reporter would certainly have mentioned them)

The end result is that about $79 million has been wasted which represents about 1 hundredth of one percent of the total stimulus package.

I'd say that commendations to the government are in order for doing such a great job.

Nice research professor...


$2 billion earmark to re-start FutureGen, a near-zero emissions coal power plant in Illinois that the Department of Energy defunded last year because it said the project was inefficient.

• A $246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers to buy motion picture film.

• $650 million for the digital television converter box coupon program.

• $88 million for the Coast Guard to design a new polar icebreaking ship.

• $448 million for constructing the Department of Homeland Security headquarters.

• $248 million for furniture at the new Homeland Security headquarters.

• $600 million to buy hybrid vehicles for federal employees.

• $400 million for the Centers for Disease Control to screen and prevent STD’s.

• $1.4 billion for rural waste disposal programs.

• $125 million for the Washington sewer system.

• $150 million for Smithsonian museum facilities.

• $1 billion for the 2010 Census, which already has a projected cost overrun of $3 billion.

• $75 million for “smoking cessation activities.”

• $200 million for public computer centers at community colleges.

• $75 million for salaries of employees at the FBI.

• $25 million for tribal alcohol and substance abuse reduction.

• $500 million for flood reduction projects on the Mississippi River.

• $10 million to inspect canals in urban areas.

• $6 billion to turn federal buildings into “green” buildings.

• $500 million for state and local fire stations.

• $650 million for wildland fire management on forest service lands.

• $1.2 billion for “youth activities,” including youth summer job programs.

• $88 million for renovating the headquarters of the Public Health Service.

• $412 million for CDC buildings and property.

• $500 million for building and repairing National Institutes of Health facilities in Bethesda, Maryland.

• $160 million for “paid volunteers” at the Corporation for National and Community Service.

• $5.5 million for “energy efficiency initiatives” at the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration.

• $850 million for Amtrak.

• $100 million for reducing the hazard of lead-based paint.

• $75 million to construct a “security training” facility for State Department Security officers when they can be trained at existing facilities of other agencies.

• $110 million to the Farm Service Agency to upgrade computer systems.

• $200 million in funding for the lease of alternative energy vehicles for use on military installations.

[bpwallace49]

Actually Perch . . all those construction projects in your posts actually EMPLOY construction companies right?

Doesnt that actually help SAVE jobs or encourage employers to HIRE people to complete those jobs?

Just sayin' . . . .

Perch just adding up the construction projects equals over 67 million of the 79 million posted. 67 million dollars spent to actually employ construction workers. Isnt that a GOOD thing?

(I actually read an article on the invasive species think you posted in Smithsonian magazine today . .scary stuff when you consider how much would NEED to be spent to cut down hundreds of thousands of acres of forest if some of those species spread further)

[wiegie]

Nice research professor...


$2 billion earmark to re-start FutureGen, a near-zero emissions coal power plant in Illinois that the Department of Energy defunded last year because it said the project was inefficient.

• A $246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers to buy motion picture film.

• $650 million for the digital television converter box coupon program.

• $88 million for the Coast Guard to design a new polar icebreaking ship.

• $448 million for constructing the Department of Homeland Security headquarters.

• $248 million for furniture at the new Homeland Security headquarters.

• $600 million to buy hybrid vehicles for federal employees.

• $400 million for the Centers for Disease Control to screen and prevent STD’s.

• $1.4 billion for rural waste disposal programs.

• $125 million for the Washington sewer system.

• $150 million for Smithsonian museum facilities.

• $1 billion for the 2010 Census, which already has a projected cost overrun of $3 billion.

• $75 million for “smoking cessation activities.”

• $200 million for public computer centers at community colleges.

• $75 million for salaries of employees at the FBI.

• $25 million for tribal alcohol and substance abuse reduction.

• $500 million for flood reduction projects on the Mississippi River.

• $10 million to inspect canals in urban areas.

• $6 billion to turn federal buildings into “green” buildings.

• $500 million for state and local fire stations.

• $650 million for wildland fire management on forest service lands.

• $1.2 billion for “youth activities,” including youth summer job programs.

• $88 million for renovating the headquarters of the Public Health Service.

• $412 million for CDC buildings and property.

• $500 million for building and repairing National Institutes of Health facilities in Bethesda, Maryland.

• $160 million for “paid volunteers” at the Corporation for National and Community Service.

• $5.5 million for “energy efficiency initiatives” at the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration.

• $850 million for Amtrak.

• $100 million for reducing the hazard of lead-based paint.

• $75 million to construct a “security training” facility for State Department Security officers when they can be trained at existing facilities of other agencies.

• $110 million to the Farm Service Agency to upgrade computer systems.

• $200 million in funding for the lease of alternative energy vehicles for use on military installations.

ok, greats--lets assume that all of that is pure waste too (which, of course, it isn't)

you still end up with less than 2.5% of the whole stimulus package being waste. That is still pretty damn good.

[Perchoutofwater]

ok, greats--lets assume that all of that is pure waste too (which, of course, it isn't)

you still end up with less than 2.5% of the whole stimulus package being waste. That is still pretty damn good.

But 2% is hugh, just ask Ursa. Oh wait it is OK when it is tax dollars that only about 60% of us pay instead of health care premiums that 80% of us pay.

[bpwallace49]

Nice research professor...


$2 billion earmark to re-start FutureGen, a near-zero emissions coal power plant in Illinois that the Department of Energy defunded last year because it said the project was inefficient.

• A $246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers to buy motion picture film. Complete waste

• $650 million for the digital television converter box coupon program. again, waste

• $88 million for the Coast Guard to design a new polar icebreaking ship. Employs US ship builders

• $448 million for constructing the Department of Homeland Security headquarters. Created by your boy last term, but building this employs construction companies

• $248 million for furniture at the new Homeland Security headquarters. If purchased from US manufacturers, employs Americans

• $600 million to buy hybrid vehicles for federal employees. Potenialls saves in ongoing fuel costs. Even more if US cars are purchased

• $400 million for the Centers for Disease Control to screen and prevent STD’s. Someone has to keep you from fornicating . . sinner.

• $1.4 billion for rural waste disposal programs. Do you WANT huge piles of garbage in rural America? This panders to the conservative base!

• $125 million for the Washington sewer system. 'cause more bullcrap is a-coming in 3 years . . .

• $150 million for Smithsonian museum facilities. Who wants to protect the history of the US? what a waste . .

• $1 billion for the 2010 Census, which already has a projected cost overrun of $3 billion. How else can the US gerrymander districts for the next election?

• $75 million for “smoking cessation activities.” Keeps down health care costs?

• $200 million for public computer centers at community colleges. No idea how this is a benefit

• $75 million for salaries of employees at the FBI. Should we be paying our spymasters LESS???

• $25 million for tribal alcohol and substance abuse reduction. Reduces health care costs

• $500 million for flood reduction projects on the Mississippi River. Cause Katrina worked out GREAT. Prevention can save millions in disaster relief.

• $10 million to inspect canals in urban areas. No idea why this would be needed

• $6 billion to turn federal buildings into “green” buildings. Saves on utility costs to the goverment

• $500 million for state and local fire stations. Why would we need these?

• $650 million for wildland fire management on forest service lands. Did you REALLY post this as not being needed??

• $1.2 billion for “youth activities,” including youth summer job programs. Just let then join gangs instead! thats what I say!

• $88 million for renovating the headquarters of the Public Health Service. Employs construction companies

• $412 million for CDC buildings and property. Employs construction companies

• $500 million for building and repairing National Institutes of Health facilities in Bethesda, Maryland. Employs construction companies

• $160 million for “paid volunteers” at the Corporation for National and Community Service. No idea why this is needed

• $5.5 million for “energy efficiency initiatives” at the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration. saves in ongoing utility costs

• $850 million for Amtrak. Dont we need trains to ship freight around the country??

• $100 million for reducing the hazard of lead-based paint. Wouldnt this be acheived by not trading with China? lol

• $75 million to construct a “security training” facility for State Department Security officers when they can be trained at existing facilities of other agencies. employs construction companies

• $110 million to the Farm Service Agency to upgrade computer systems. They have computers on farms? Shouldnt this be subsidized by 4-H?

• $200 million in funding for the lease of alternative energy vehicles for use on military installations.

[CaP'N GRuNGe]

But but but...Obama plays golf! And goes on dates with his wife!

[westvirginia]

The point that's being missed here is that someone has to work for that money. The government cannot spend money without first confiscating it from someone who actually earned it.

The low percentage of waste argument your making doesn't really seem so easily dismissed in that light, does it?

[caddyman]

But 2% is hugh, just ask Ursa. Oh wait it is OK when it is tax dollars that only about 60% of us pay instead of health care premiums that 80% of us pay.

ZOMG....You made the point of the year.

[caddyman]

ok, greats--lets assume that all of that is pure waste too (which, of course, it isn't)

you still end up with less than 2.5% of the whole stimulus package being waste. That is still pretty damn good.

You really can't be this naive. You must think we are though. I am sure if I spent ten more seconds looking things up, I could find more waste. But then you would just say the same thing. You obviously think that throwing away this money was a good idea. But then again, look how many jobs this created. For that answer, check the unemployment figures.

[Perchoutofwater]

• $88 million for the Coast Guard to design a new polar icebreaking ship. Employs US ship builders - Do the current icebreakers not work? Aren't the polar ice caps going to melt anyway, so why do we need them?

• $448 million for constructing the Department of Homeland Security headquarters. Created by your boy last term, but building this employs construction companies - It wouldn't hurt the world for a few construction companies to go the way of the polar ice caps, the market is over saturated, a correction is needed. Plus this is pretty much a make work program, and will end up costing a bunch of money to maintain. Wouldn't the government be better off consolidating offices or use some existing vacant office space (that would stimulate landlords) which would not increase our carbon footprint.


• $600 million to buy hybrid vehicles for federal employees. Potenialls saves in ongoing fuel costs. Even more if US cars are purchased - Have they finally got the hybrids to where the payoff on saved fuel is greater than the premium cost? Are there still waiting lists for Prius's, will government demand make it harder for consumers to get it? Will Ford get a fair chance at selling these to the government, or will only Government Motors vehicles be considered? Will the taxpayers end up paying a $19,500 premium like they did for Cash for Clunkers (max rebate $4,500, average tax payer cost per car $24,000).

• $400 million for the Centers for Disease Control to screen and prevent STD’s. Someone has to keep you from fornicating . . sinner. If they weren't sinning there wouldn't be much of a problem. I really don't have much of a problem with this, not knowing the particulars.

• $1.4 billion for rural waste disposal programs. Do you WANT huge piles of garbage in rural America? This panders to the conservative base! - If the freaking EPA would let us, we would burn most of it. But no! Your over intrusive government has to intervene, and trash just keeps piling up.

• $125 million for the Washington sewer system. 'cause more bullcrap is a-coming in 3 years . . . Are you referring to the debt that is going to be piled up the next three years, or are you talking about the changing of the guard in 3 years, admitting this POTUS has already failed?

Etc.......

[Perchoutofwater]

ZOMG....You made the point of the year.

Well, I was told 2% of a whole lot of money is a whole lot of money. This is 2.5% of a whole lot more money. I'm sure Ursa is just busy right now, and he will be along any time to show his indignation.

[bushwacked]

Pick a little, talk a little, pick a little, talk a little
Cheep cheep cheep, talk a lot, pick a little more

Pick a little, talk a little, pick a little, talk a little
Cheep cheep cheep, talk a lot, pick a little more

Pick a little, talk a little, pick a little, talk a little
Cheep cheep cheep, talk a lot, pick a little more

Pick a little, talk a little, pick a little, talk a little
Cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep

[WaterMan]

The government is going to do what it wants. I mean really, who is going to stop them?

[bpwallace49]

The point that's being missed here is that someone has to work for that money. The government cannot spend money without first confiscating it from someone who actually earned it.

The low percentage of waste argument your making doesn't really seem so easily dismissed in that light, does it?

I would argue that you cant have it both ways. Either you complain about how high unemployment is and how the stimulus isnt making jobs. Or you complain that some of the projects arent what you would like . . . even though they generatejobs/prevent people from being fired due to lack of work.

West, the wasnt exactly dircted at you . . . but you fell for the bait first.

WV you have been consistent on your anarchist stances. This merely points out the futility of cherry picking everything Obama does from the staunch republicans in the house . . .

[dmarc117]

I am appalled. $219,000 is not near enough money for this project. (how in the hell are they going to film everything in HD with that sort of meager budget?)

i wouldve charged much much less