GREENSBORO, N.C.—
Several transportation projects to be funded by economic stimulus money got the go-ahead Wednesday, including improvements to Lake Jeanette Rd. and South Elm-Eugene St. and a bus maintenance and operations facility.The Metropolitan Planning Organization approved $14 million toward the projects, which also included resurfacing of various streets and a parking lot in Summerfield.
"This is all on a very fast track with the goal being put people in Guilford County back to work," said city councilman Robbie Perkins.
It's still unknown how many jobs these projects will create. Acting Director of Transportation Adam Fischer said the number of people hired will depend on the contractors hired to do the work. Most likely, they would be temporary jobs with the hope of becoming permanent if the economy picks up.
Meanwhile, the city released a new version of its wish list of future stimulus-funded projects that includes a community swimming facility in a primarily minority neighborhood and $35 million for War Memorial Auditorium, among over 60 others.
In November, voters turned down a bond referendum designed to raise money for renovating the auditorium. Funding for a natatorium did pass as part of a $20 million parks and recreation bond.
The city recently provided the retooled version of its wish list ot the Select Senate Committee for Economic Recovery. The committee was formed late last week and held its first official meeting in Raleigh on Tuesday.
City officials said the projects on its wish list are long-shots for stimulus funds, primarily because they're not "shovel-ready."
"We're going to do the things we have to have as opposed to mayor our wants," said Perkins.
