Advocates are trying to steer NJ stimulus
Thursday, May 21st, 2009
New Jersey is getting about 17 billion dollars from the federal stimulus package. But most of that money isn't going toward infrastructure projects. A coalition of nonprofit organizations is calling on Trenton to ensure the one-time windfall will also be spent on meeting New Jersey's economic, environmental and social needs.
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The groups say creating jobs is important, but they say the stimulus-funded projects should also help improve the environment, reduce congestion and be focused in areas that are already developed.
Peter Kasabach is Executive Director of the planning organization New Jersey Future.
Kasabach: New money for infrastructure in New Jersey presents an important opportunity to invest in smart growth, rebuilding out roads towns and cities, and avoiding subsidizing sprawl.
Kasabach says less than two billion dollars of New Jersey's seventeen billion dollar stimulus boost will go toward infrastructure projects, so the state must spend it wisely.