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Davis discusses stimulus at library
Published Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The bottom line on stimulus money: the state is using it; everyone is getting a share; the rules are different.
The gist of a meeting held by Congressman Artur Davis, D-Birmingham, for more than 100 people from all over the Black Belt brought no surprises and some resignation.
“We are getting our pro rata share,” said Dallas County Probate Judge Kim Ballard.
The American Reinvestment Act, also known as the stimulus act, saw $1 billion poured into Alabama, extended health insurance for laid-off workers and provided tax cuts for more than 97 percent of Alabama’s residents.
Davis acted as a liasion with representatives from the Alabama Department of Transportation and ADECA present. Questions about the apportionment of stimulus money have been raised several times by local officials — some who raised them again Tuesday during the meeting.
But the answer is the same. The state is doling out what it can to counties and cities within the confines of the federal law.
Don Vaughn, chief engineer with the Alabama Department of Transportation, and Doni Ingram, director of ADECA, fielded as many questions as they could after talking about the money received by Alabama and the restrictions under which it is spent.
Davis also explained the rules for the stimulus money were written by some in Congress, who wanted formulas to pass out the dollars. Those formulas usually benefit larger population areas.
However, both Vaughn and Ingram pointed out where Black Belt counties had received some stimulus money for projects, including some road resurfacing and weatherization projects.
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Comments
Posted by popdukes12 (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 7:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hard to believe no one tracked down Vardamen to get his opinion. Oh that's right, the article isn't about another business leaving town. popdukes12
Posted by iluvselma (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Vardaman is not looking to help change the climate of EDA or the Chamber of Commerce especially when his own business (Selma Steam) does business out of town. What a surprise. Maybe he can help Bill Ezell get business for the St. James (LOL) We had family come in town and the service was terrible someone needs to help this place it is going down. I have been in Selma for nearly five decades and have seen many changes but I fear it is going to get worse before it gets better. HELP SELMA PLEASE
Posted by Nina (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Didn't Mayor Evans just say (CNN) that Delma/Dallas County wasn't getting any Stimulus Money?
Posted by bama (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why is Davis flip-flopping on the stimulus issue? Several weeks ago, he was trying to blame Gov. Riley for Alabama not spending stimulus money. Too bad Davis didn't first check to see what money had been sent to the state. Had he checked before sending out press releases about his absurd letter to Riley, he would have seen that most of the money hadn't been sent to the state and that is the fault of the US congress, of which he is a member. Instead of running for the next office Congressman, how about doing your current job.
Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Speaking of the St. James, what are they doing down there? These places in Selma do nothing to attract business. It must be nice to be the manager there. I'm sure you just show up and unlock the doors and sit there for 8 hours then lock them back. If they wanted business, they would be using that back deck and that "million dollar" view to attract customers. Selma is building a river walk down there to attract business and citizens....and the St. James sits there ALREADY fashioned on the river front and does nothing with it. Go figure.
Posted by mccrary36703 (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Old My God. I used to work at St. James Hotel in 2001 and we provided good service. I worked the restarant, bar, and the front desk. I enjoyed working there. I may need to come back this year if my time will allow it.
Posted by say_what (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 3:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I keep reading day after day that "we" are doing nothing to attract business, keep business, attract tourism, etc. I have to assume most of you have too much time on your hands. That said, if "we" are doing nothing to improve conditions, why don't "you"...all of you naysayers come up with some constructive suggestions instead of just belly aching? You have answers? Let's hear 'em.
Posted by Liberty (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 8:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Davis can no longer say that he hasn't been asked or given any information on HR 1207 (Transparency Act of 2009 - Audit the Federal Reserve). As of June 29th, 2009 - he was both asked and had access to fliers about HR 1207.
Since he's so keen on transparency in government - he should be running to co-sponsor HR 1207.
Right?
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