Councilwoman Thelda Williams
Phoenix Republic
March 20, 2009
Secure fair share of fed dollars for city
Cities are eligible for competitive stimulus dollars only for specific projects or programs that are "ready." Fortunately, Phoenix has hundreds of millions of dollars worth of projects that meet that criteria.
My priority is for projects that will not only produce jobs but also will promote future industrial development, such as solar-energy generation and the conversion of landfill gas into energy. These types of projects will provide immediate results and also will demonstrate a long-term commitment to developing new technology, related employment opportunities and prospective economic development avenues.
Each federal department offers different grant possibilities that we need to pursue. It is especially important that Phoenix pursue transportation dollars. Specifically, the acceleration of the Sky Harbor people-mover project, light-rail extensions and airport improvements are projects that create high-paying jobs. Streets and bridges are in need of repair or replacement throughout the city.
There is a need for a new emergency center, for fire stations, police officers, Head Start programs, affordable housing... and the list goes on.
The cities are in stiff competition for stimulus grants. The mayor and councilmembers are using all their available resources to secure funding for Phoenix. We are working with our Arizona congressional representatives to get the message across that Phoenix, America's fifth-largest city, has not received a fair distribution of previous funding. Now is the time to make it right and get the economy flowing.
Thelda Williams is a Phoenix city councilwoman who represents District 1. She can be reached at council.district.1@phoenix.gov or 602-262-7444.