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Stimulus funds help with some "shovel ready" projects around the Fredericksburg area Date published: 6/12/2009
By DAN TELVOCK Most of the federal stimulus funds for the Fredericksburg area so far have helped education and local governments balance their budgets. But by 2011, the focus will shift to transportation and energy efficiency. Some local government officials said the hastily passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is confusing, but others said they are pleased that money will be coming to their localities over the next two years. Spotsylvania County has received the most money in this region, more than $46 million. Other localities, such as Fredericksburg and King George County, have so far been skipped over on requests for millions of dollars in transportation and sewer upgrades, getting funds mostly for education. Virginia localities have sought $465 billion worth of projects, and requests for money from state residents fill 916 pages. In January, local government officials sent to the state lists of "shovel ready" projects, which could begin six to eight months after funds are received. Regionally, the projects included $300,000 to finish a park in Spotsylvania's rural Belmont area; $900,000 for a concession building, bathrooms and field lighting at King George's Sealston Sports Complex; and $90 million for Rocky Pen Reservoir in Stafford County. None has received money at this point. HOW THE AREA FARED King George Board of Supervisors Chairman Joseph Grzeika said he was disappointed with the $3.5 million the county got. The school system used $1.3 million to avoid laying off teachers. "I think we put in some projects that had a lot of merit, ready to go, and there was no money," he said. "It just came for the schools." Grzeika said upgrades to the county's sewage infrastructure, a new sheriff's office operations center and animal control office will just have to be prioritized with all of the other projects listed. He said the process was hastily done and a bit uncoordinated. There was not much assistance or guidance in how to best apply for the money, he said.
Read more stories about Spotsylvania Date published: 6/12/2009
why Fredericksburg City Council felt at liberty to take school reserve funds and pay City employees the 1/2% they may have lost in income this year.
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