Posted on 04/16/2009 10:14:28 AM PDT by jim_trent
On January 20th, we had a number of engineering jobs completed for construction in 2009. These included plans and specifications for bridge replacements, bridge repairs, street replacements, street overlays, sewer projects, etc. Naturally, some Federal money was involved in all projects like these. We had Federal and State approval and had turned them over to our customers (mostly local governments) for bidding and selection of the lowest and best bidder.
On January, 21st, all projects that had been approved, but work had not actually started on yet, were unapproved by the Federal Government. We have to reapply and an absolutely huge amount of additional work has to be done before they “may” be approved again. Nothing that we had approved on January 20th has been reapproved, yet, three months later.
The biggest change is on the “environmental” approvals. Where there used to be an environmental “short form” (a Categorical Exclusion) for a lot of urban projects (lets face it, there are not a whole lot of endangered species in the concrete and asphalt jungle), that has been stopped. From now on, I have been told, there will be a FULL environmental review of every project regardless of the size or location. Of course, this will increase the engineering costs and the time needed to complete a project. In addition, it is being retroactively required on all projects that were previously approved, but unapproved on January 21st.
So much for the “stimulus package”. Instead of increasing the amount of construction work, the amount is decreasing – more like collapsing. It appears that this may be the slowest construction season in years. The only things that I have “heard” that have been approved around here are a bicycle trail and a street beautification project (planting flowers). I don’t know how true that is since we did not work on either of them.
I feel sorry for you guys in construction.
Because you had a tea party?
Perfect example of how this “change” government does not work.
Politically correct considerations and lobbying group payoffs will unravel any real attempt at “stimulus”.
Every day this is being exposed as the political pork giveaway that it is.
We’ve given away the American financial future for nothing.
Thanks for posting. Why am I not surprised. I suspect that when the dust settles, virtually ALL the money will end up in the pockets of the bureaucrats and form shufflers.
Perhaps, too, builders will have to hire more paper shufflers as well, just as doctors did when the clintons managed to put through just some of their health care ideas. More jobs there, too, but not exactly productive jobs.
I find it funny that most of the construction workers hate high taxes, environmental restrictions, and illegal immigrants with a murderous passion and yet most of them voted for Bama.
Sounds like the environmental wackos have a chokehold on That One’s administration. They’re trying to realize all their fantasies of a cleaner, greener, less populated (at least by humans), world.
Get used to it. From now on, all construction will be “green”.
Much like union workers.
I expect that they hate white collar workers and entrepreneurs even more.
(How many times have you heard the rote complaint about people with degrees?)
(And, how often did it come from someone who earned more than you did?)
A lot of State and Local are trying to cut corners with little or no upfront spending, BUT...
“Shovel Ready” means: The project meets the normal eligibility requirements under the existing Federal highway, transit, or other grant program.
The project has completed all necessary design work and right-of-way acquisition.
The project has completed all environmental reviews. If the project would result in significant environmental effects, the Federal agency must have issued an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Record of Decision determining that the project complies with environmental laws. As part of this environmental review process, project sponsors must have had public hearings to consider the transportation, environmental, community, and other effects of proposed projects. As part of the EIS Record of Decision, project sponsors must also have environmental mitigation plans ready to incorporate into the project design.
The project is on the State plan (“State Transportation Improvement Program”) and, if applicable, Metropolitan plan (“Transportation Improvement Program”).
The project is ready to be put out to bid, and contracts can be awarded and work underway within 90 days of enactment.
What’s the deal with the cad software the government makes engineers use?
I doubt very highly you can back up that comment, my experience is VERY different. Even the union guys I know largely hate 0bama, and are vocal aout it, in a very blue state.
“On January, 21st, all projects that had been approved, but work had not actually started on yet, were unapproved by the Federal Government. “
With all due respect, I sincerely doubt that to be true. I don’t know of any govt contract that has been revoked since the ARRA funding has become available. There may have been applications revoked that were in the review process, and there may have been programs withdrawn that businesses were hoping to apply for, but once a contract has been approved the federal govt won’t “unapprove” it. It is a legally binding contract.
Thanks for noting that. My business deals with construction and we have been concerned about the environmental nazi’s holding up the stimulus (such as they are) impacts.
Not sure but I think its 90 days, use it or lose it to another State.
Yeah, same with the coal miners..then zero closed 4 or 5 mines as soon as he took the oath.
Liberals hate road building. They believe it encourages urban sprawl and car commuting instead of public transportation.
BTTT
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