NELSON FILES INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING AMENDMENT ON STIMULUS PACKAGE

February 7, 2008 - States would receive a needed influx of transportation and infrastructure dollars designed to stimulate the economy under an amendment filed today by Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson.

"Our nation's roads and bridges are crumbling beneath our vehicles," said Senator Nelson. "This economic stimulus package offers a unique opportunity to address a short-term economic need, while at the same time answer an ever more urgent call to invest in our infrastructure assets. An investment in infrastructure and public works projects will not only achieve a much-needed boost to our economy, but will also promote long-term economic growth."

Nelson's amendment provides $5 billion in block grants to the States to be used for infrastructure construction needs, including construction of highways and bridges and public works projects, such as water, wastewater treatment, sewer, and drinking water projects.

In order to ensure these funds stimulate the economy, the amendment requires states to obligate funds before September 30, 2008. The intent is for states to use this funding to speed up "ready-to-go" projects that wouldn’t otherwise be started this fiscal year due to a lack of funding.

The amendment is modeled on the state fiscal relief amendment the Senator championed during the 2003 economic stimulus bill debate.

"Given that most state and local governments are facing significant challenges meeting their transportation and public works capital needs, I believe it is appropriate that economic stimulus legislation include initiatives to spur infrastructure investment at the state and local level."

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