As president-elect, Obama asked mayors and governors throughout the United States to suggest “shovel-ready” public projects — including infrastructure, schools and parks — that could begin construction within 90 to 120 days of the signing of the economic stimulus bill. That is exactly what local department heads, including city staff, planning and public works officials, have done.
“We’re getting as many projects as we can shovel-ready,” said City Manager John Connet. “We don’t know what the stimulus package is going to look like, but we want to have a list together.”
The preparation includes construction plans, permits and preliminary approval of those projects by the City Council. Among the many local projects being eyed for possible inclusion in Obama’s national infrastructure overhaul are local water and sewer projects, as well as the city’s continued efforts to revitalize downtown.
“We’re showing them that we have these projects ready so if and when that money is available, we can potentially take advantage of those funds,” said Connet.
The stimulus bill was pushed to passage last week by a three-fifths majority, over near-unanimous opposition from Republicans. Obama’s first major piece of legislation, it’s a $787 billion mix of tax cuts and one of the biggest public spending programs since World War II.
If the city could reap some of that money, it could go a long way, city officials said.
Connet said several projects were receiving staff’s attention so that they may be ready by April 15.
“We’re doing the engineering work, using revenue to get that work done, so that the projects are ready for bidding,” the city manager noted. “Many large projects take one to two years to develop.”
He pointed to the finalization of a large rehabilitation project on the Dollar Branch sewer line, which contributes a majority of the city’s total wastewater flow. The deteriorating condition of the line warranted a large repair project extending from the wastewater treatment plant all the way to Smithfield Foods.
It was a project so large in scope it was broken into two phases. The planning for the project took as long as the project itself.
“That was three years in the making before we were able to do it,” said Connet, who said a third phase of the Dollar Branch, as well as a similar project on the Old Williams Mill Branch line, are receiving consideration by city staff.
“We are also looking to expand the water plant,” said Connet.
For inclusion in stimulus funding, it is vital that the projects be ready to start as soon as possible.
“They want to get that money flowing,” said Connet. “They want you to spend it instantly.”
More funds means more construction projects. More construction projects means more work for contracting companies. City officials are doing their part to see that contractors are busy for the foreseeable future.
Clinton-Sampson Planning Director Jeff Vreugdenhil recently presented conceptual designs for Phase III of the city’s downtown revitalization project, which Connet is hopeful will be stimulated under the new legislation.
The design plans include a 24-space parking lot in the area of Connestee and Vance streets, which will have landscaping around it and be adjacent to a large green space that will include a paved walking trail, trees and benches. The existing parking lot off Vance Street, behind Gracie’s Grill, will also receive a fresh look and landscaping under the third phase of revitalization. Under the project, several public and private utility companies will also be working to put their services underground in an effort to rid the downtown of hanging wires.
Vreugdenhil made note that he believed the revitalization’s third phase would be “expensive,” suggesting it be split into phases. There is a N.C. Department of Transportation grant in the amount of $190,000 in place for project, however additional funds are needed.
Connet said any money would be welcome.
“There is no grant money that would fund our projects 100 percent,” the city manager noted.
Last month, Clinton Mayor Lew Starling expressed interest in the benefits that could be realized in the city and throughout Sampson County as a result of the stimulus package.
“Some of his programs, infrastructure in particular, are things that can really benefit Sampson County and the city of Clinton,” Starling said. “Some of the things he has talked about are things that I have been saying for years, water systems, bridges ... some of his ideas are going to benefit all of us.”
Those ideas were set to come to fruition, at least in framework form, as Obama signed off on one of the biggest public spending programs since World War II.
“We want to continue to move this city forward,” said Connet, “so that we’re in good shape as we try to make our way out of this economic slump.”
The Associated Press contributed to this story. Chris Berendt can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 121, or by email at sicrime@intrstar.net.
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