InfoAnda - STIMULUS WATCH: Early road aid leaves out neediest

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Obama: Health care is key to rebuilding economy | 23 July 2009
Syrian rebel chief asks world to stop bloodshed | | 17 January 2012
Mexican Mogul Carlos Slim Invests $250 Million In Struggling New York Times | 21 January 2009

Taiwan dollar slips on outflows, importers | 18 May 2009

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : STIMULUS WATCH: Early road aid leaves out neediest

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America Search Search: STIMULUS WATCH: Early road aid leaves out neediest By MATT APUZZO and BRETT J. BLACKLEDGE,Associated Press Writers AP - Tuesday, May 12 WASHINGTON - Counties suffering the most from job losses stand to receive the least help from President Barack Obama's plan to spend billions of stimulus dollars on roads and bridges, an Associated Press analysis has found. ADVERTISEMENT Although the intent of the money is to put people back to work, AP's review of more than 5,500 planned transportation projects nationwide reveals that states are planning to spend the stimulus in communities where jobless rates are already lower. One result among many: Elk County, Pa., isn't receiving any road money despite its 13.8 percent unemployment rate. Yet the military and college community of Riley County, Kan., with its 3.4 percent unemployment, will benefit from about $56 million to build a highway, improve an intersection and restore a historic farmhouse. Altogether, the government is set to spend 50 percent more per person in areas with the lowest unemployment than it will in communities with the highest. The AP reviewed $18.9 billion in projects, the most complete picture available of where states plan to spend the first wave of highway money. The projects account for about half of the $38 billion set aside for states and local governments to spend on roads, bridges and infrastructure in the stimulus plan. The very promise that Obama made, to spend money quickly and create jobs, is locking out many struggling communities needing those jobs. The money goes to projects ready to start. But many struggling communities don't have projects waiting on a shelf. They couldn't afford the millions of dollars for preparation and plans that often is required. "It's not fair," said Martin Schuller, the borough manager in the Elk County seat of Ridgway, who commiserates about the inequity in highway aid with colleagues in nearby towns. "It's a joke because we're not going to get it, because we don't have any projects ready to go." The early trend seen in the AP analysis runs counter to expectations raised by Obama, that road and infrastructure money from the historic $787 billion stimulus plan would create jobs in areas most devastated by layoffs and plant closings. Transportation money, he said, would mean paychecks for "folks looking for work" and "folks who want to work." "That's the core of my plan, putting people to work doing the work that America needs done," Obama said in a Feb. 11 speech promoting transportation spending as a way to expand employment. Also, Congress required states to use some of the highway money for projects in economically distressed areas, but didn't impose sanctions if they didn't. States can lose money, however, if they don't spend fast enough. The AP examined the earliest projects announced nationwide, the ones most likely to break ground and create jobs first. More projects are continually being announced, and some areas that received little or no help so far may benefit later. The Obama administration could also encourage states to change their plans. To determine whether there was a disparity in where the money would go, the AP divided the nation's counties into four groups by unemployment levels. The analysis found that, no matter how the early money is measured, communities suffering most fare the worst: _High-unemployment counties, those in the top quarter of jobless rates, are allotted about 16 percent of the money, compared with about 20 percent for areas least affected by joblessness. _In low-unemployment counties nationwide, those in the bottom quarter of jobless rates, the federal government is spending about $89 a person compared with $59 a person in the worst-hit areas. _In counties with the largest populations, the government is spending about $69 a person in areas with the lowest unemployment and $40 a person in places with the greatest job need. The analysis also found that counties with the highest unemployment are most likely to have been passed over completely in the early spending. Among them: Wheeler County, Ore.; Steuben County, Ind.; Macon County, Ga.; and Crowley County, Colo. Many others are getting minimal help in this round: Vermillion County, Ind.; Lapeer County, Mich.; Presidio County, Texas; Tallahatchi County, Miss. Those counties still will benefit from job creation elsewhere in their states, said Lana Hurdle, a Transportation official overseeing the agency's stimulus money. "Even if you have to drive to it, it's better than no job," Hurdle said. Joel Szabat, who also oversees the stimulus for the Transportation Department, said the agency presses states to build projects in struggling areas but does not normally consider how much money is going to each county. Presented with AP's findings, he said: "I will be going back to ask our folks to do this kind of analysis, the overall amount for the projects." "Our goal, and I think it is a goal that will be achieved, is that you will see that a fair share of this money will go to these areas," Szabat said. Obama's plan sends $38 billion to states and local governments for roads, bridges, transit and other infrastructure, about 5 percent of the overall program that also includes money for, among other things, schools, community development, technology, worker training and tax breaks. All counties will receive some stimulus relief eventually. But the haste voiced by the White House is not reflected in the flow of highway money so far. "We cannot wait," Vice President Joe Biden said last week when announcing a $30 million transit project in his hometown of Wilmington, Del., where the 7.7 percent unemployment rate remains below the national average. "We're spending a lot of time and money. Why? It's about ... jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs. That's why we cannot wait." Yet residents of Perry County, Tenn., will have to wait. County Mayor John Carroll said he's disappointed his community, which suffers from 25.4 percent unemployment, won't receive a dime any time soon for its road needs. "It's pretty easy to draw a connection between the high unemployment rate and the lack of any four-lane highways," he said. Federal auditors acknowledge they can't yet track the transportation money that is leaving Washington and there is no single list of the thousands of projects planned in each state. For its analysis, the AP used lists of projects approved through March by the Transportation Department and collected lists of stimulus projects that have been announced in 49 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Federal officials have approved 2,800 projects. The remaining projects on the AP list represent the states' official plans for the money. Only Virginia, which has not announced its plan, is not included. As the number of projects grows, places like Elk County, Pa., could still be left out because they could not afford the upfront costs needed to put proposals in the pipeline. "It's all based on this 'shovel readiness,'" said Elk County Commissioner Daniel Freeburg. "That's been our stumbling block." Elk County surely could use jobs. The once thriving north central Pennsylvania county is home to metal factories that equip the nation's auto industry. Layoffs are mounting. Freeburg is pinning hopes on getting future stimulus money, such as for energy conservation programs, that will create jobs and rekindle the local metal and lumber industries. In promoting his plan, Obama went to hard-hit communities such as Elkhart, Ind., and Peoria, Ill., and promised the jobs would come. "Now, I know that some of you might be thinking, 'Well that all sounds good, but when are we going to see any of that here in Elkhart?'" Obama said. "'What does all that mean for our families and our community?' Those are exactly the kind of questions you should be asking of your president and your government." Obama kept his promise to Elkhart, which so far is expected to receive $13.7 million, and Peoria, which should receive at least $10.6 million. But other, similar counties have not been so lucky. For now, laid-off workers in Elk County, Pa., question why they've missed out, while money flows to more prosperous places. "Why are they helping them?" asked Wendy Cameron, 50, of Saint Marys, Pa., who lost her job in a metal factory last year. She doesn't have health insurance and would gladly take road work. "They're not in need. We are. "What are these people going to do? Is everybody going to go on welfare? I've never been on welfare. I don't want to be on welfare." ___ Associated Press writer Cal Woodward contributed to this report. ___ On the Net: Interactive tracking stimulus money on a map: http://tinyurl.com/orulga Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 0 users recommend Related Articles: World Appeals court hears Indian trust caseAP - Tuesday, May 12 Power tool may have sparked Santa Barbara wildfireAP - Monday, May 11 Police: High-ranking Iraqi traffic official killedAP - Monday, May 11 Obama has meeting today to discuss health careAP - Tuesday, May 12 Obama to unveil healthcare savings planAFP - Monday, May 11 Most Popular – World Viewed Obese young men have less hope of marriage: study Australian zoo evacuated after orangutan escape British store admits it boobed in bra row $70-80 good price for oil: French economy minister Geithner's warning on speed of economic recovery View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Monday, 11 May 2009
U.S. rebuffs Afghan leader's call to halt air strikes | International |
Movie Theaters Begin Re-Opening In Mexico With Regulations In Place
International trade helps solve food crisis: WTO | International |
EU to find Intel anti-competitive: sources | Technology |
Star Trek beams up $72.5 million in first weekend | Entertainment |
UN to debate how to revive flagging Mideast peace
US sticks with air strikes despite Afghan anger
Pakistanis flee offensive as U.S. sees fresh resolve | International |
Israel hopes for tourism, image boost from pope
Venezuela to nationalize Santander subsidiary
China searches for 150 people after first flu case | International |
Seven killed in twin Afghan suicide attacks: officials
Russia beat Canada to retain ice hockey world title
Group says Israel plan to cement hold on Jerusalem
Centrica agrees deal to buy British Energy stake: reports
US won't stop air strikes despite Afghan anger
Japan school seeks solutions to leadership gulf | International |
US-TECH Summary
Scooters, motorcycle makers get stimulus shot
77 homes destroyed in Santa Barbara fire
Pilot made passes over party before NV plane crash
Soldier Faces Court Martial For Abusing Dogs
Fla. Gov. Crist to announce 2010 political plans
Gingrich Slams Notre Dame's Obama Invite Because Of President's Abortion Stance
Reward Up To $11,000 For Missing New York Teen
National Guard troops to aid flood victims in WVa
Merkel in veiled attack on British Conservatives
Jones: U.S. Airstrikes May Not End In Afghanistan Despite Civilian Casualties
Boat Explosion Critically Wounds Seven People In Florida
Basketballs launching on space shuttle mission
Cheney Takes Swipe At Powell For Recent Remarks
Catholic political divide over Obama at Notre Dame
Petraeus: Al Qaeda No Longer In Afghanistan
No mechanical problems seen in Mass. trolley crash
Update: 7-Year-Old Boy Dies From Gunshot Wounds Received While Off-Roading
Swine Flu Takes Two More Lives; U.S. Reports Third Death
AP source: $2 trillion offered in health savings
5 Dead After Plane Crashes In Nevada
Schumer calls for probe into phone spam
Australia detains 30 suspected asylum seekers
Report: No outright majority in Maldives election
Star Trek beams up $72.5 million in first weekend | Entertainment |
Concerns white phosphorus used in Afghan battle
Jamie Oliver putting U.S. city on a diet | Entertainment |
Thai protesters in biggest rally since crackdown
Dalai Lama sees long-term hope for Tibet
China demolish England in Sudirman Cup
Taiwan's ex-leader continues hunger strike at hospital
Sri Lanka artillery barrage kills 378, doctor says
Yet another Gandhi rises in Indian politics
Taiwan dlr at 1-week high on funds, risk appetite
UK finance minister pledges stronger China ties
Mexico to skip China food expo over swine flu
Seoul shares open up helped by U.S. job data
Luxury brands look to China for cushion in crisis
"Star Trek" beams up $72.5 million in first weekend
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Indonesian president's party wins elections
Actor Tobey Maguire's wife gives birth to baby boy
Vegas magician Burton cancels shows after injury
Winfrey collects honorary degree, speaks at Duke
Greek puppet master Evgenios Spatharis dies at 85
'Star Trek' boldly goes to number one
Records broken at Tintin auction
Review: Curtain falls on Met's "Ring" production
`Star Trek' has galactic $76.5 million opening
Hundreds killed in Sri Lanka bloodbath | International |
Pope slams anti-Semitism on Israel visit
Georgia talks fail to find way out of stalemate | International |
Police: High-ranking Iraqi traffic official killed
Karzai very serious on ending air raids: official | International |
Centrica, EDF to sign deal on nuclear power
Qaeda in talks on freeing European hostages: paper | International |
NASA set for shuttle launch to Hubble telescope
U.S. soldier kills 5 at U.S. base in Baghdad: military | International |
OECD sees slowdown ease in some big economies
Israeli PM in Egypt, prepares for White House trip | International |
Obama to unveil healthcare savings plan
Pope in Israel, says will honor Holocaust dead | International |
Myanmar junta allows doctor to see ailing Suu Kyi | International |
Global ocean talks underway in Indonesia
Conference weighs how oceans reduce climate change
Demjanjuk at Ohio home; Germany expects him Tues.
EU to find Intel anti-competitive: sources | Technology |
Iran to free jailed US journalist, lawyers say
STIMULUS WATCH: Early road aid leaves out neediest
Mich. man kills wife with chain saw in accident
British leaders apologise over lawmakers' expenses
NM farmers work to preserve native chile varieties
Obama's Day: Health care, basketball
MPs targeted in latest British expenses row
Appeals court hears Indian trust case
Court battle over HK tycoon's billions begins
Exodus from Pakistan's northwest as fighting rages
Pop star Kylie dreams of film roles, not U.S. success | Entertainment |
Malaysia Indian protest leader to end exile abroad
Star Trek a rare hit among TV adaptations | Entertainment |
China bolsters disaster preparedness system
Reports: Japan's opposition leader to resign
Malaysia offers US help in fighting piracy
Japan opposition chief plans to resign: media
Japan pop icon Komuro gets suspended jail term
HSBC says first-quarter profits up
Hope mixes with grief among China quake survivors
China's inflation weakens further in April
Censor-defying Chinese director back at Cannes
Samsung forecasts tough year for chipmakers
Sony expects first loss in 14 years amid downturn
Chinese hurt in PNG nickel mine attack: reports
Indian vehicle sales up 1.1 percent in April
Report: Shinsei and Aozora Banks to merge
Seoul shares end firm; energy, utility issues help
Mitsubishi swapping $600 mln Morgan Stanley shares
Janes' Addiction singer hurts leg at Atlanta show
Lebanese billboard beauty sparks ugly election row
Malaysian racial riots cast shadow after 40 years
Arab-American comedians break the funny barrier
Global ocean talks underway in Indonesia
Indonesian president's party wins elections
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01