A town saved by stimulus

[n2doc]

A year and a half ago, Kokomo was on the verge of disaster. Now downtown is revitalized and businesses are moving in.

KOKOMO, Ind. (CNNMoney.com) -- Kokomo is going back to work.

A year and a half ago the fate of this car town, home to four Chrysler plants and a Delphi facility, was as uncertain as the American auto industry itself.

Now, thanks largely to the federal government, the town's unemployment rate has gone from over 20% to under 14%.

Economists disagree over the real nationwide impact of the massive stimulus jolt orchestrated by President Obama. But here in Kokomo, the Recovery Act and Obama's auto bailout have jolted Kokomo back to life -- keeping big industry from fleeing and attracting newcomers as well.

"We wouldn't be standing here," said Brian Harlow, a 32-year Chrysler veteran who grew up in Kokomo and now is based at the company's headquarters outside Detroit. "It would have been a ghost town."

more

http://money.cnn.com/2010/10/18/news/economy/kokomo_stimulus_case_study/index.htm?hpt=Sbin

[RockaFowler]

1. I love stories like this

And then you see the Tea-Baggers claim it didn't save ONE job. Well they are right - it saved MANY JOBS.

[Horse with no Name]

2. Here's a story M$M won't be covering

Good for Kokomo!
Good for the stimulus.

[babylonsister]

3. I hope the townfolk understand and are giving credit where due. nt

[Historic NY]

4. K&R the MSM is in the bag for the Repukes. FDR would have a tough time today