The Hamilton County Commission today likely will approve spending most of the $1.35 million it received for paving projects, courtesy of federal stimulus money.
PDF: Board stimulus approval
Though local Republicans make up a majority of the commission’s nine-member panel, party members said they dare not turn down money for needed projects. Republicans did not support passing the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly known as the stimulus.
“I wasn’t for the stimulus when it passed,” said Republican Commissioner Larry Henry. “But bottom line is: It did pass and the money’s out there. I certainly don’t want to turn the money back. We’ve got some roads in the district I represent that are in bad need of repairs.”
On May 5, the county voted to pave Champion and Harrison Ooltewah roads. The county likely will approve paving contracts for seven additional roads today.