CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Installing energy efficient lighting in municipal buildings is one way Charlotte plans to stimulate the economy, as long as Congress coughs up the money.
City staff put together a wish list of $824,100,000 in projects the city will push to fund from a federal economic stimulus package.
“I think we’re being really responsible in the part that we’re asking and making sure we offer jobs to out citizens,” said Council Member Nancy Carter, who fully endorses the city’s proposal.
Besides energy efficient lights, other environmentally friendly projects include the installation of green roofs at the animal shelter and police department.
“Not only giving jobs but moving our environment ahead, that’s a good thing,” added Carter.
The city wants more than $15-million for energy projects, claiming that would create 429 jobs.
Transportation projects, like the realignment of Little Rock Road, would total $77.5 million and create more than 2,000 jobs.
A commuter line from Uptown and stretching all the way to Iredell County falls under transit projects. The request for $620-million would create 17,000 jobs according to the city.
“Construction always adds jobs to our economy,” Carter said. “People have to build things.”
At $7-million, the city claims it would create almost 200 jobs by repairing storm drains. Air conditioner repairs costing $1.3 million would account for another 36 jobs.
“Air conditioner upgrades, storm drain repairs, do those things really create jobs or would those be projects that current staff will perform?” we asked.
“Well, that’s keeping our staff here,” responded Carter. “That’s important too. If you maintain a job, that’s keeping someone from joining those unemployment lines.”
Source: WCNC.com
