December 23, 2008

Senator-elect Begich Works with Mayors to Ready Economic Recovery Package

More than two dozen Alaska leaders asked to submit priority list

In an effort to have Alaska well-positioned to benefit from a national economic stimulus package, Senator-elect Mark Begich met with 30 mayors and other city leaders from across Alaska asking them to submit projects that are permitted and ready to turn dirt within 120 days. In a teleconference Monday, Begich asked the group to move quickly so Alaska will be ready as Congress develops an economic recovery package.

"The goal is to get us all on the same page," Begich told mayors and others in communities from Aniak to Wrangell. "It's very important the projects are community driven, create jobs, and are sustainable for the long-term."

On the teleconference, Senator-elect Begich said that many in Congress want to move rapidly on an economic recovery bill that could total more than $800 billion. The bill will likely cover transportation and energy infrastructure funding as well as programs such as extended unemployment and food stamp benefits.

"We don't know if the package will be formula-driven, a project list, or a hybrid of the two. But we want to make sure Alaska's priorities are part of the discussion when a final bill is passed." Senator-elect Begich said projects should be "shovel ready" this summer; create jobs; be sustainable with identified operating money; and have other committed sources of funding, either public or private money.

Begich said even with a large economic stimulus package, money will be tight and there will be intense scrutiny on projects coming forward. He asked the mayors to return their lists, with projects prioritized, by Dec. 29.

Many of the mayors on the teleconference said they were pleased with the opportunity to talk directly to Begich. The Senator-elect said it's a practice he'll continue when he takes office.

From a Senator-elect Begich press release: