State stimulus requests fall short on transportation front

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State Transportation Departments Stimulus Requests Dont Meet Economic or Energy Needs

Friends of the Earth finds most states are using outdated thinking that will create fewer jobs than cleaner alternatives

WASHINGTON, D.C.Friends of the Earth released an analysis today of 19 state transportation departments proposals for how to spend economic stimulus funding. The analysis finds striking differences between states requests and their economic and energy needs.

The analysis, titled The Path to Economic Recovery is Not a Road, compared publicly available lists of shovel ready projects prepared by state transportation departments with transportation, energy, and environment statistics from each state. In many cases, states are seeking funding for projects that would lock in high transportation costs for their citizens, worsen oil dependence and increase global warming pollution, while at the same time creating fewer jobs and doing less to stimulate the economy than cleaner alternatives.

The stimulus package shouldnt hand transportation money to states with no strings attached, said Friends of the Earths Kate McMahon, who authored the analysis. Too many states want to waste taxpayer money on dirty projects while ignoring real transportation needs. By targeting funds to public transportation and road maintenance instead of unnecessary new highways, Congress can create more jobs, reduce oil dependence, and cut global warming pollution.

While many state transportation departments requests lack vision, the analysis finds that some states, including Massachusetts, Georgia, and California, are taking a smarter approach.

To see the report, please visit: /pdf/States_Stimulus_Report.pdf

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Amigos de la Tierra (www.foe.orgFriends of the Earth (Amigos de la Tierra) es la voz estadounidense de la mayor red ambientalista de base del mundo, con grupos miembros en 77 países. Desde 1969, Friends of the Earth lucha por crear un mundo más sano y justo.