As the American Recovery and Rein-vestment Act reaches the eight-month mark, the construction industry is seeing a decidedly mixed picture. The $787-billion stimulus package’s estimated $130 billion of construction money is flowing out through many federal and nonfederal agency channels, but those agencies are moving their ARRA money out at varying rates on diverse projects across the U.S. Some are shown on the following pages.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Oct. 1 that the Federal Highway Administration had obligated 72% of its $27.1 billion of ARRA money, the Federal Aviation Administration had obligated 99% of its $1.1 billion for airport improvements, and the Federal Transit Administration had committed 88% of its $8.4 billion stimulus allotment. “The money is out the door,” said LaHood. The federal road and bridge aid then goes to state agencies, which award the contracts. Some states have been more aggressive in awarding the work. Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors, gives “good marks [to] FHWA and many of the state DOTs in turning their money into contracts.”