The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that President Obama signed into law on February 17th has 46.7 Billion dollars allocated to states and localities for transportation projects including building and/or fixing highways, bridges TRANSIT and rail projects.
What a great way to put people to work.
I know the pot holes in I-65 and I-459 in the Hoover area would be on the top of MY list for improving roads. Yesterday when I was leaving the office, I looked down and there was a big LUMP on one of my tires - just what I needed, right. My mind traced back to a couple of days ago when I couldn't avoid this HUGE pot hole on I-65 South. I'd be willing to BET that is what caused my tire - with only 6,000 miles on it - to fail. So, I am doing my part toward keeping someone at a tire manufacturing plant employed, but I'd rather see some work being done on the interstates! The folks at NTB were great by the way! I was in and out in an Hour. 
And, I got to see the Michellin Man which reminded me of the snow we got last week.
Now, back to roads.....hasn't it been 10 years or so since they started talking about 4 laning Morgan Road between Helena and I-459. I was behind a garbage truck the other day and I thought he was going to throw a rod before he got to the top of Shades Mountain. I think we were down to 2 miles per hour behind him. It happens all the time in that spot - the grade is too steep. Oh, I heard a good one the other day - Jefferson County is out of money - OMG - what a shock. Alright we won't go there. I DID notice they are building the extension from HWY 52 SOUTH to Fox Valley. So then all the people will be able to get up to the northern part of HWY 52 MORE QUICKLY. Now my question is - once they get there how are they supposed to get the next 4 miles to I-459....
They say a lot of bridges in this country are really in disrepair. I always wonder when I drive over a clunky bridge how much useful life it has.
What about some type of rail system from downtown to Hoover and Helena and other places around the city. How about a rail to Atlanta. Just sit back and read the paper while you're on your way to that meeting. That would cut down on the pollution. Automobiles are a HUGE form of pollution is the Over the Mountain area. You remember those days in summer when the air quality is so bad.
There are so many things that need to be done with that money in our own backyard. We can only hope the government with hire companies fairly and the projects will be completed without wasteful spending and fraud. I'm really tired of hearing how our elected officials just happened to get several thousands of "favors" in return for government contracts. Then when they get caught, it also amazes me that they don't seem to think they did anything wrong. Let's do it and do it RIGHT!
There is a lot to this new stimulis package. If you would like to hear about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Acts of 2009, check out my monthly on-line newsletter. If you would like to receive a copy every month, let me know at www.ToniBird.com.
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