While the federal government argues over billions in stimulus, local leaders prepare lists of possible projects just in case.
Clarkston Schools and Springfield and Independence Townships have been compiling lists of projects they would like to pursue if they received federal stimulus money.
It is uncertain what funding they will receive, but the focus is on sending in the paperwork in hopes to qualify.
Springfield Township Supervisor Mike Trout said they are focusing on non-transportation projects such as Dixie Highway, trail ways, and pathways.
“I wanted to put some projects on the radar screen,” Trout said.
Although the locations have not been finalized and the projects are not ready to go, Trout wanted to put some projects on the radar screen. He is not confident that anything will happen, he said.
David Wagner, supervisor of Independence Township, said two main projects are a highway bridge and roundabout on Sashabaw Road, and sewer reconstruction around some lakes.
Estimated cost of the bridge and roundabout, infrastructure work for McLaren’s Health Care Village project, is $12-14 million. The sewer project costs $15-20 million.
‘Those are our two biggest things that we would really like to get done,” Wagner said. “The sewers are something you need when you talk about pollution in the lakes from the septic systems. It is pretty important to see if we can get something accomplished there.?
Clarkston Community Schools’ projects would be in six areas, Title I grants, technology, teacher incentives, special education, and school repair and modernization, said Anita Banach, director of communications and marketing.
State Rep. Eileen Kowall requested the project list from Clarkston and other local school districts.
Kowall said she is politically aganst federal stimulus.
“It will just create more debt,” she said.
However, she wants a list in case funds became available.
“I hope the money is distributed equally across the state, not just to one city or region,” she said.