Red Bank projects await stimulus

Red Bank city officials have several projects they'd like to dive into, but like many municipalities, they must play the waiting game for federal stimulus dollars.

Last year, the city applied for federal funding on four major infrastructure projects. If awarded, the funds will finance sidewalk construction, road resurfacing and traffic signal upgrades along Dayton Boulevard, the city's main thoroughfare. The projects' costs total about $1.8 million.

Some good news arrived two weeks ago. Red Bank City Manager Chris Dorsey told Red Bank's city commissioners that the Tennessee Department of Transportation received the city's applications for the projects and that he was optimistic.

"Barring unforeseen errors in the applications, each project should be approved," he said.

To finance the projects without dipping into city taxpayer dollars, funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act must be funneled through TDOT before becoming available for Red Bank's projects.

According to the stimulus' official Web site, $5.8 billion in federal funds had been allocated to projects across Tennessee through the end of 2009. About $1.2 billion was received before the year was over, the Web site states.

But there are concerns. Mr. Dorsey worries about exactly when the city will see the stimulus money, while Mayor Joe Glasscock isn't a fan of the federal stimulus in the first place.

"There is no free lunch. Somebody's going to have to pay for this alleged 'stimulus,'" he said. "I am pleased that Red Bank is getting some paving done and will now have sidewalks running across the city, practically. But the fact is that it's tax money and somebody's going to have to pay for it, whether it be me or you or my kids or your kids."

Mr. Dorsey's role as city manager means initiating bids for private contractors, engineers and other specialists to begin construction. A lot of essential instructions, he said, haven't been passed down from Washington, D.C.

"My concern is dealing with the unknown," said Mr. Dorsey. "I'm concerned about doing all the correct paperwork to ensure we get reimbursed because we do have to pay up front."

With a fluid estimate set at $781,000, the most expensive project in Red Bank will finance ornamental lighting and a sidewalk through the southern end of Dayton Boulevard between Newberry Street and Memorial Avenue.

Mr. Dorsey said that project's financial estimate could come down by as much as $200,000 after two engineering firms finish reviewing the precise nature of the work involved.

Other improvements include installation of energy-efficient LED bulbs at several traffic lights and modifying existing sidewalks to comply with standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Despite his strong opposition to future taxpayer debt tied to the stimulus package, Mr. Glasscock doesn't see hypocrisy in taking advantage of the funds.

"The stimulus money is there, and they're bound and determined to give it away," he said. "I was reluctant, but if we don't take it, somebody else is going to get it."