States’ Stimulus Plans Differ From Obama’s

Plans by some states for spending on new highways may undermine the planned economic stimulus, which would focus on existing roads and new transit systems, Bloomberg reported.

As part of the economic stimulus, Congress has asked states to submit lists of projects they’d like to be funded, Bloomberg said.

But a study by U.S. PIRG shows that for the 19 states whose data was available, over half of the funding states requested would go to construction of new roads. President-elect Barack Obama, however, has emphasized that he’d like the stimulus to fund repairs to exist roads and expanding rail system, Bloomberg reported.

The study’s authors contend that the findings show a “yawning gap” between Obama’s wishes and those of the states.

The stimulus package, which could cost $775 billion, is aimed at creating or preserving 3 million jobs, Bloomberg said.