• Posted on Monday, February 9, 2009
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Mayors' stimulus list includes surprises — to their cities

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Michael Vasquez | Miami Herald

As Congress scrambles to pass a federal stimulus package, government leaders across South Florida are keeping a watchful eye -- after all, billions of dollars in local infrastructure projects are at stake.

Yet beyond the question of which projects win funding, another looms: Do the communities affected really need some of the projects being pushed by mayors? Do they even want them all?

South Florida projects being pitched include swimming pools, new city halls and a $2.3 million ''fortified bunker.'' The ideas, put on a mayoral wish list compiled with rapid speed and little input, have sometimes taken even community leaders by surprise.

Nationally, Las Vegas has been ridiculed for wanting stimulus money to help fund a mob museum, while Providence went on the defensive for a proposal to spend $4.8 million for a polar bear exhibit at the local zoo.

All of those potential stimulus projects were included in a list assembled by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Though appearing on the list does not guarantee funding -- the formal application process will come after the stimulus bill is passed -- the list's 18,750 projects represent the fullest blueprint of what cities and counties are seeking.

Read the complete story at miamiherald.com

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