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Are local road projects worth the stimulus funds?

By By EVAN WHITE

Story Created: Sep 3, 2009 at 12:20 PM EST

Story Updated: Sep 3, 2009 at 5:01 PM EST

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Oneida and Herkimer Counties are in the midst of $17 million in stimulus-funded projects, and some people have raised concerns over the worthiness of projects such as pavement and rehabilitation of Routes 5A and 69.

State transportation officials say they have been fielding numerous calls from people concerned that local roads are getting ignored, despite the influx of federal dollars for infrastructure.

DOT Officials say the reason some projects received more attention was because of the volume of traffic on specific roads and bridges.

"There are a tremendous level of need that outweighs the amount of money, whether you are talking local municipal streets, state facilities or even the interstate facilities," said Bob Rice the Regional Programming and Planning Manager for Region 2. "So, it's always a matter of different decisions being made and prioritizing where you are spending the money."

Rice said half of the stimulus work being done in the area is complete, with the remainder will wrap up in Spring.
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