Live updates from the MODOT Stimulus Funds Meeting

Last night, we made the dreaded drive to Chesterfield to attend the Missouri Department of Transportation's presentation on how they are spending the $525 million in stimulus money they are receiving from the federal government.

Below is the transcription of a live twitter blog of the event (www.twitter.com/5132314), in reverse chronological order.

Tim is sticking it to him!
about 19 hours ago from txt
STL county representative, Tim pointed out that St. Charles is getting 2x as much per capita at STL county
about 19 hours ago from txt
The biggest stl city project is a bridge to connect tucker to a bridge. 15 million
about 19 hours ago from txt
Only 23,400,000 actually going to be spent in STL city
about 19 hours ago from txt
'of course the Miller county bridge was a publicity stunt'
about 19 hours ago from txt
In November, MODOT reviewed projects that could br ready in 90-120 days
about 19 hours ago from txt
29.56% of total money comes to Stl region which is 135 million.
about 19 hours ago from txt
STL gets 112 million of new projects money or 35%
about 19 hours ago from txt
STL get 24% of 'taking care of the system' money
about 19 hours ago from txt
@chesky biospan should be at this modot meeting
about 19 hours ago from txt
Still have to follow environmental regulations
about 19 hours ago from txt
3 yr completion priority. Projects should maximize job creation and economic impact and should be in economically distressed areas
about 19 hours ago from txt
'this isn't about transportation, this is about jobs'
about 19 hours ago from txt
By June 30th, 50% of the money must be 'obligated'
about 19 hours ago from txt
45million is going to Metro.
about 19 hours ago from txt
MO stimulus money should support 22K jobs
about 19 hours ago from txt
At the MODOT meeting
about 19 hours ago from txt

The meeting started out fairly boring, with Pete Rahn, the Director, breaking down the allocation of money into all of the stipulations attached. We quickly gained an appreciation of the many many strings attached to the funding, and how projects were chosen.

I can't say that I'm happy that STL is getting a smaller amount of the money than I believe it should, but at least now we know why.