Distribution of Stimulus Funds Is Gaining Momentum

The pace of contracting for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds is picking up in the highway and transit sectors. A new House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee report on the economic-stimulus legislation shows as of April 30, 2,901 highway and transit projects, valued at almost $10 billion, have been put out for bid in 50 states, territories and the District of Columbia. It adds that 1,099 of those projects, totaling $3.5 billion, are under contract. The committee report, released on May 21, says work has started on 545 projects, totaling $2.1 billion. The new figures show gains from March 31 results, when 1,380 highway and transit projects, valued at $6.4 billion, were out for bid, and work had started on 263 projects, totaling $1.1 billion, according to the committee. The report only covers programs under the panel’s jurisdiction, such as highways, transit, rail, aviation, clean water and Corps of Engineers civil works. It excludes other major stimulus programs such as those managed by the Depts. of Energy, Defense, Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs.