Governors seek $136 billion for infrastructure

More than 40 of the nation's governors met with Barack Obama in Philadelphia Tuesday and asked that $175 billion be included in a massive economic stimulus package to help states deal with huge budget deficits. The National Governors Association said $136 billion should go for ready-to-go infrastructure projects to repair and upgrade bridges, highways, ports, railroads, airports, water and sewer systems and broadband Internet connections. 

Analysts estimate that for every $1 billion in construction spending at least 30,000 new jobs are created.

We should target high-priority projects so funds can be obligated and invested so that we will see the effects quickly,Gov. Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania, the chairman of the NGA, said in a statement Monday after meeting with members of Congress.

Source: American Shipper