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Governor Rendell Signs Letters for Stimulus Projects Creating Tens of Thousands of Jobs

Posted on: Tuesday, 17 March 2009, 14:43 CDT

Says State, Federal Funding Provides $2.8 Billion Economic Boost

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today signed documents certifying that more than $1 billion in federal stimulus funds will be used for transportation projects that have been vetted by local and state officials, deemed worthy of public investment and comply with federal highway standards.

Combined with the $1.8 billion in transportation projects already on the books, Pennsylvanians will see the largest infrastructure investments in history.

"My signature on these letters represents relief and recovery for thousands of Pennsylvania families who may have been losing hope -- wondering from where and when their next paycheck would come," Governor Rendell said. "It is not every day that I get to sign letters that will put some 10,000 workers who were recently laid off back to work.

"I am proud that Pennsylvania is ahead of the curve and ready to make President Obama's stimulus program a reality in our communities -- and this is just the beginning."

The Governor said that in transportation, every $1 billion of new spending creates approximately 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.

"In roughly 90 days, thousands of Pennsylvania workers will be packing a lunch again and reporting to work to repair bridges, roads and tunnels in every corner of our state," the Governor said.

On Monday, the Department of Transportation released the final list of highway and bridge projects funded by $1.026 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). PennDOT also released a list of $1.8 billion in projects already scheduled to go to contract in 2009.

The letters signed by the Governor today clear the way for the transmission of ARRA transportation funds to the commonwealth.

To view the letters, see individual transportation projects and learn more about how the federal economic stimulus will benefit communities across Pennsylvania, visit www.recovery.pa.gov.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: www.governor.state.pa.us.

CONTACT: Chuck Ardo 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

Source: PR Newswire

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