Economic Stimulus Ideas

You have probably heard that Congress and President Barack Obama are working to create an economic stimulus package that would create jobs by investing in infrastructure projects. This moment in time offers a unique opportunity for Oregon to chart a new, more economically and environmentally sustainable path for infrastructure investments.

OEC spearheaded an effort to tell Governor Kulongoski and Oregon’s congressional delegation that investments in Oregon’s transportation and water infrastructure should be green investments. The stimulus should provide multiple benefits and build the green economy, rather than perpetuating old practices that create more environmental harm. Instead of building more roads and dams, let’s create jobs by building greenroofs, restoring streams, expanding public transportation systems, and fixing crumbling water treatment facilities. It is likely that many of the choices about how the federal stimulus dollars are spent will be made by the states, so OEC will continue to stay involved.

Read the water infrastructure letter
Read the transportation infrastructure letter