Stimulus Dollars at Work

The main thoroughfare in town is undergoing a much needed widening project. The project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, otherwise known as "The Stimulus." The process of widening this road speaks volumes about government projects.

Although it's hard to see in the photo at the right, notice the utility poles on the right. Originally, they were well off the roadway. Then as construction progressed, crews working around the poles, widened the right of way. Then the area was graded, still working around the poles. Then the forms for the curbing were built, working around the poles, leaving a gap in the curb in places. Next the contractors poured the concrete for the curbing, still working around the poles. Last week, the paving crews came in and, working around the poles, put down a layer of asphalt. 

Now this week, crews have arrived to put in new utility poles and one would assume, remove the old ones. Then crews will need to come back and finish building the curbing and filling in the paving.

One wonders how many tax dollars could have been saved by moving the utility poles first. But then again, the purpose of the Stimulus Act was to spend tax dollars, in any way possible.