The 2009-2011 state Capital Budget has been released and will likely be voted on later today by the House.
This budget pays for construction projects across the state – things like school construction and repair, health and safety upgrades to public buildings, college campus investment and preservation projects, and even land acquisition for future parks.
It also provides emergency grants to local governments for vital infrastructure projects, such as sewer system upgrades.
Because it’s a construction budget, it has the ability to create good, family-wage jobs in every corner of the state. In these economic times there aren’t a whole lot of new building projects, but the state is trying to maintain and preserve existing structures. This means many locally-based plumbers, electricians, roofers and other contractors have a chance to perform necessary maintenance and repair on public facilities.
In the past, the Capital Budget has been the feel-good budget, because it also funds local projects in each member’s district. This year, there’s not as much cash to go around, especially with $777.1 million of it being transferred to fill the shortfall in the operating budget. However, there is still plenty of opportunity for job creation. And that’s something everyone should feel good about, according to House Capital Budget Committee chair Rep. Hans Dunshee.
This budget pays for construction projects across the state – things like school construction and repair, health and safety upgrades to public buildings, college campus investment and preservation projects, and even land acquisition for future parks.
It also provides emergency grants to local governments for vital infrastructure projects, such as sewer system upgrades.
Because it’s a construction budget, it has the ability to create good, family-wage jobs in every corner of the state. In these economic times there aren’t a whole lot of new building projects, but the state is trying to maintain and preserve existing structures. This means many locally-based plumbers, electricians, roofers and other contractors have a chance to perform necessary maintenance and repair on public facilities.
In the past, the Capital Budget has been the feel-good budget, because it also funds local projects in each member’s district. This year, there’s not as much cash to go around, especially with $777.1 million of it being transferred to fill the shortfall in the operating budget. However, there is still plenty of opportunity for job creation. And that’s something everyone should feel good about, according to House Capital Budget Committee chair Rep. Hans Dunshee.
