In just one year, federally subsidized Build America Bonds for public-works projects have become a hot item. Volume soared to $90 billion, and localities saved more than $12 billion, the Treasury Dept. said in an April 2 report. The program, created by 2009’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is set to expire on Dec. 31, but the House voted to extend it and President Obama wants to make it permanent.
Demand is strong. Treasury, citing data from Bloomberg, says that as of March 31, states and localities had gone to market with 1,066 Build America Bond (BAB) issues, totaling more than $90 billion. That amount equals more than 20% of the market for new municipal bonds.