There are definitely some parts of the country that are benefiting by the flight of taxpayers and corporations from the Dem states (that is what you are experiencing); would you say your area is as well of as 4 years ago in terms of income, employment, etc.?
Here in NJ we have roads that haven’t been repaired since LAST winter, because the government is paying so much for the people that used to fix the roads until they retired 20 years ago; it is a gradual but noticeable decline, which is driving our younger professionals and companies to seek greener pastures.
-——would you say your area is as well of as 4 years ago——
No, definitely not. Sales of our industrial engines are still down and that influences everything.
Another anecdote. I 40 runs from east to west across 500 miles of Tennessee. It is constantly repaved with an asphalt surface coat. It is accomplished on a pretty much regular schedule in say 15 mile increments. The work has begun on one of the segments down toward Knoxville.
This year there are none of the stimulus fund signs on site. The money comes from the accumulated gas tax