SPI launches new stimulus Web site
by Mary Scott Nabers
CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
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Many have asked what we do to gather information and data. Our efforts are made somewhat easier because of the large number of news and reporting services the company uses. However, the bulk of information comes from daily monitoring of both federal and state agencies, Freedom of Information requests, phone calls to public officials and serious analysis of budgets, rules and agency reports.
Federal officials met recently with representatives from 49 of the 50 states in a session designed for information exchange. According to some in attendance, there were all too few definitive answers. Federal bureaucracy tends to move slowly and that appears to be the case currently.
Perhaps the slow process will be a good thing ultimately because it is giving local government officials an opportunity to make plans. And little by little, information is being made available. Just this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce announced that the $7.2 billion set aside for broadband initiatives will be released beginning in April of this year. Applications for this funding will be accepted from April to June.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced this week that part of $100 million in ARRA grant funds relating to greenhouse gas and energy reduction can be used to help reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil, reduce greenhouse gases and/or create "green" jobs. State departments of transportation may also submit consolidated project proposals for transit agencies to tap into this funding. The Federal Transit Authority will soon post application instructions.
And just yesterday, the U.S. Department of Energy announced nearly $208.8 million in funding for state, county and city efforts in Texas to support local energy efficiency improvements in the state.
Here's one of the bottlenecks - most agencies responsible for ensuring that the money reaches the appropriate end users and is spent for the right things are still writing rules and regulations.
In the meantime, companies that want to get involved should find a way to get timely and accurate information along with analysis about spending plans. And, government entities desiring to compete for the "competitive funding" should get involved immediately. There is no doubt that some advocacy for funding has already started.
For more detailed information, call 512-531-3900.
