04/22/24 - 117 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/9bh4zbtr
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Whew! Only A $2.3 Billion State Deficit As Final Federal Stimulus Package Passed
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Gov. Rendell and the General Assembly found themselves grateful there is only a $2.3 billion deficit in the current fiscal year, rather than much, much more as the details of the final federal stimulus package were announced this week. Gov. Rendell is counting on $1.083 billion in federal funding to balance the current 2008-09 budget and another $2.4 billion to balance his 2009-10 budget. Of course the federal stimulus money still leaves the state with the significant cuts the Governor proposed to balance the state budget this year and next. Budget hearings begin next week in the General Assembly. (SeeCalendar of Events) Many budget hearings will be carried on the PA Cable Network on cable and online. The Governor said the stimulus package will bring Pennsylvania about $16.5 billion in assistance for capital projects, education, medical assistance and other funding. In most cases it will be left to the states to actually distribute funding for infrastructure and other projects. Here's a quick summary of major environmental provisions-- -- $6 billion for local clean and drinking water infrastructure improvements;
-- $1.2 billion for EPA's nationwide environmental cleanup programs, including Superfund;
-- $1.28 billion to support $3.8 billion in loans and grants for needed water and waste disposal facilities in rural areas;
-- $6.3 billion for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grants;
-- $5 billion for the Weatherization Assistance Program;
-- $2.5 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy research;
-- $1 billion for other energy efficiency programs including alternative fuel trucks and buses, transportation charging infrastructure, and smart and energy efficient appliances;
-- $4.6 billion in funding for the Corps of Engineers;
-- $27.5 billion is included for highway investments;
-- $8.4 billion for investments in public transportation; and
-- $1.5 billion for competitive grants to state and local governments for transportation investments.
A summary of American Recovery and Investment Act is available online. NewsClips: PA To Get $16 Billion From Stimulus Bill Final Stimulus Bill Will Deliver For PA Budget "We Escaped (Budget) Disaster" Rendell Says Rendell Says PA Escaped (Budget) Disaster |
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2/13/2009 |
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