"States didn't cause this crisis and we shouldn't be left to deal with it alone...A rescue package from the federal government will help soften the blow for average Americans," New York Governor David A. Paterson told the House Ways an Means Committee Oct. 29, joining others urging immediate federal action to boost economic recovery.
Patterson cited infrastructure investment as one of the strategies Congress should pursue in crafting an economic recovery package. He said, "Infrastructure spending is one of the most important investments the federal government can make during an economic downturn as it has the dual benefit of modernizing our nation's deteriorating infrastructure while also stimulating the economy through job creation. In fact, analysts estimate that for every $1 billion invested in transportation projects, approximately 35,000 jobs are created."
The governor cited AASHTO's survey results that there are over 3,000 transportation projects 'on the shelf,' in over forty states worth more than $18 billion waiting to be funded. Paterson said that "In New York, with an additional $410 million in funding, we could put people to work immediately on over 40 highway, transit, and rail projects that are shovel-ready."
Douglas Palmer, Mayor of Trenton, New Jersey, and immediate past president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors called for a "Main Street Stimulus" package including $9 billion for transit, $32 billion for highways, $1.5 billion for Airport Improvement Grants and $1.25 billion for Amtrak. He asked that maximum flexibility be provided to state and local governments in using the funds.
