Idaho creates list ahead of state stimulus package "Shovel Ready"

Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter is among state leaders assembling lists of road, water and communication projects that may benefit from a proposed federal economic stimulus package that President-elect Barack Obama hopes will generate 2.5 million jobs nationwide by the end of 2010.

So far, Idaho’s list isn’t prioritized. But it includes highway construction worth $805 million, some of it directed at sections of U.S. Interstate 84 in southwestern Idaho and State Highway 75 near Hailey, already part of the "Connecting Idaho" package.

Jason Kreizenbeck, Otter’s chief of staff, said the governor is keen on the federal bill to help create jobs, but isn’t inclined to support a measure that bails out state government budgets crimped by the recession. Otter also wants states like Idaho to be able to use the money as they see fit, with appropriate limits, Kreizenbeck said.

By JOHN MILLER

Full Story: http://www.magicvalley.com/articles/2008/12/12/ap-state-id/d950sgjo1.txt

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Arizona has $869-million list of ‘shovel-ready’ projects

By HOWARD FISCHER
Capitol Media Services

State transportation officials are already lining up $869 million worth of road projects — including $30.9 million in Coconino County — they hope to get the federal government to finance through a proposed stimulus package.

http://www.azdailysun.com/articles/2008/12/12/news/20081212_front_186909.txt