Federal funds flow to city

By By Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
The federal stimulus package is funneling some $513.7 million into the state, funding an array of highway, transportation and bridge projects. Tucked away in that massive list is a small project that will save the city of Hartselle big bucks.
The city’s been notified it will receive $707,940 to go towards phase three of the downtown renovation project. The money will complete the installation of awnings, lighting and planters downtown, as well as sidewalk work around E.A.R.T.H. Park.
The federal funding requires no local match, saving the city $141,500.
The city began lobbying for the funds shortly after federal officials announced the stimulus plan with its intentions of funneling money to local projects thus lowering unemployment and providing a boost to the economy. The prework by the city paid off, according to Robert Jilla, programs engineer for the Alabama Department of Transportation.
The money will pay for the third phase of the work. Both of the first two phases were paid for with federal grants but both required local match funds. The second phase came in at $100,000 under budget, saving the city $20,000 in match money.
Alabama has 216 highway and bridge, 83 transit and 10 aviation projects that will be funded through the federal funds.
“Stimulus projects will be awarded in every county of Alabama to improve travel and help economic development,” Gox. Riley said. “In addition, by using stimulus dollars on these improvements, it frees up non-stimulus funding and allows us to redirect these existing dollars for work on other planned highway projects throughout our state.”
Federal estimates are that every $1 billion invested in highway construction supports approximately 27,800 jobs. Using that same formula, that would translate into 15,000 jobs in Alabama.