State stimulus requests fall short on transportation front
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Nick Berning, 202-222-0748
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Friends of the Earth finds most states are using outdated thinking that will create fewer jobs than cleaner alternatives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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Friends of the Earth (www.foe.org) is the U.S. voice of the worlds largest grassroots environmental network, with member groups in 77 countries. Since 1969, Friends of the Earth has fought to create a more healthy, just world.