Think Diet Center
While many members of the New Jersey League of Municipalities have submitted a list of infrastructure projects that might qualify for funds from the proposed federal economic stimulus package, the majority of towns have not. Still, with only 132 municipalities participating in the collective submission of projects to New Jersey’s Congressional delegation, almost 762 million dollars in projects have been identified. There are 566 municipalities in New Jersey. (See the list and associated projects below)
Governor Corzine has indicated that New Jersey may qualify for 4 to 6 billion dollars over the course of two years. New Jersey faces a multi-billion-dollar gap in the current budget year and the next one. Corzine has sought cuts to the current budget of almost $1.2 billion. The State is also facing a 400 million dollar increase in spending over the expected budget, and Corzine is planning on 300 million in stimulus aid to cover increased Medicare spending.
While the state is eager for a cash injection in order to lessen the gaps in its operating budget, municipalities would benefit from money for projects normally funded by local tax dollars. Proponents and advocates both offer legitimate arguments on the benefits and consequences of both. Corzine is looking for short term solution that will allow the state to lessen the size of proposed cuts in spending while stating, “We ought to take this time and make sure we’re reforming government, so it’s not just a bailout.” Opponents such as Representative Scott Garret argue in favor of less spending and more tax cuts.
In America’s heartland, residents see the proposed stimulus package as something intended to support cities and metropolitan areas with its heavy emphasis on infrastructure and transportation. The sentiment is certainly inspired by parochial interests, but the call for investment in the manufacturing industry is appealing to both political parties. The development of domestic manufacturing and the development of domestic energy are perceived as investments that benefit the country as a whole.
Besides seeking the development of alternative energy sources, and the domestic production of machines exploiting these new sources, there is discussion on expanding the national grid used in transporting energy. The big blackout of 2003 exemplified weaknesses in America’s existing grid. Improvements to the grid, and expansion to help open markets to alternative energy options, will require additional investments in the infrastructure. But even in areas such as this where there is little debate on the need, there is still conflict on the how. Sen. Robert Menendez, following a NIMBY philosophy, is pushing to reduce the amount of New Jersey land currently tagged as a possible transmission corridor.
New Jersey residents overall may be receptive to the proposed stimulus package aimed at infrastructure. Out of the top ten counties in the nation with the highest property taxes, New Jersey has 7 counties listed; it also gets back only 61 cents on the dollars in terms of federal tax dollars paid–the lowest return rate in the nation. The stimulus package might not provide the nationwide effects needed to rejuvenate the national economy, but would most likely be welcomed by residents suffering from an increasing tax burden.
Below is a list of projects submitted to the NJLM.
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