Appropriations Committee drops "Bridge to nowhere"

[HillDem]

"The Senate Appropriations Committee removed earmarks for two controversial "bridges to nowhere" in Alaska: the Gravina bridge, which would connect Ketchikan to an island of 50 people, and the Knik Arm bridge, which would link Anchorage to a sparsely populated area. The projects have been the subject of strong criticism because of the general backlog of existing roads and bridges in desperate need of repair, especially those affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. According to the National Association of Civil Engineers, one in four bridges nationwide is structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, not including the damage from Katrina and Rita."

snip

"Removing the budget earmarks for these projects is absolutely the right thing to do, but it doesn't actually mean the money will go where it is needed most, namely to fixing our nation's existing roads and bridges. We are particularly disappointed that the money was not redirected to rebuilding transportation infrastructure along the Gulf Coast.


link
http://www.sierraclub.org/pressroom/releases/pr2005-11-15a.asp


I wonder if Ted Stevens will resign, as promised. One can only hope.

[ourbluenation]

1. Good. Didn't most alaskans want the $ to go to hurricane stuff?

But Stevens wouldn't budge. Someone should remind him that he works for the people of Alaska, not the other way around.

[napi21]

2. Oooooh, Stevens is going to be PI**ED!

He was pitching a real fit on the Senate floor last week, and said every one was picking on HIM and his state!

I can hardly wait to hear his response when his fellow Senators turn against him!

If I remember right, he said he would quit as Senator. Ohhh, I can only hope!

[hvn_nbr_2]

3. Woohoo. n/t

[ThoughtCriminal]

4. I hope Stevens continues his hissy-fit

Let's see how much damage he can inflict on his party.

[acmavm]

5. After the mess over the oil execs lies and getting away with them 'cux

he pitched a bitch, I think Ted's credibility factor has sunk to below sea level level.

[JPZenger]

6. Progress

The Congressional earmarking system is screwed up. At least the State gets to decide their own priorities. I'm sure the State can find appropriate uses for the money. As I understand it, it is impossible to get to Alaska's state capital (Juneau) by car. You have to fly in, or come in by ship.

A very high percentage of Alaska's population lives in the Anchorage metropolitan area.

[katty]

7. Stevens will have another hissy fit on the floor-so what,too bad

[rodeodance]

8. he needs to be reminded of this--LOUDLY>

....I wonder if Ted Stevens will resign, as promised. One can only hope.

[jbfam4]

10. Let's all write him

and tell him to keep his promise.

[War Pigs]

9. Alaskans are douchebags. Oil royalty checks from the state and one

of the greatest net "receivers" of federal money in the union. Yet the fuckheads vote nearly straight republican for their statewide offices. Hypocrite douchebags, I say. Rugged individualists, my a$$! Goverment is evil, unless it flows to me or my state.:wtf: