News/Economic Stimulus
From Green Needham
January, 2009 - There is much discussion of what may be in the economic stimulus packages that will be brought forward by the incoming Obama administration. Indications from the administration are that the focus will be on:
- "shovel-ready" projects - those that can be underway within six months
- projects that build or renovate vital infrastructure
- projects that support energy independence
Governor Deval Patrick's administration has begun assembling a list of priorities and possible projects that could be supported by a possible stimulus plan.
One of the areas
of interest to the Needham community would be retrofits of existing buildings to increase
energy efficiency. It is often difficult to justify these investments as part of an ongoing capital maintenance plan, so such projects are often only done when a building undergoes a full renovation. Representatives of the School Committee discussed these ideas during their budget review with the Finance Committee on January 14th. School Committee Chair Michael Greis contacted Representative Harkins' office the following morning to investigate whether such options are under consideration by the legislature.
Indications are that these ideas have support from the Massachusetts School Building Authority. That same day, January 15th, the MSBA sent a letter to the Governor and Legislative leaders. State Treasurer Tim Cahill and MSBA Executive Director Catherine Craven suggested that any stimulus plan include an "efficient and best price option" for HVAC equipment, boilers, technology, windows and building envelope upgrades.
The Town has been proactive in seeking these opportunities as well. Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick submitted applications for the following projects as ready to be considered for any federal stimulus plans:
- Public Services Administration Building
- Water Main Replacement in Various Roads
- 14 Inch Water Main Replacement
- Gravity Sewer Installation and Pump Station Elimination/Richardson Drive
- Highland Avenue Reconstruction Project
The breadth and scope of these plans ndicates the extent to which the Town of Needham is prepared with projects that could go forward quickly were economic stimulus funding to become available.
