The Georgia Department of Transportation on Monday announced the end of a policy requiring contractors to install road signs indicating projects funded by federal stimulus funds.
The signs were developed in an act to create transparency by allowing the public to see where their tax dollars were being spent, and were labeled with “recovery.org” - the federal government’s website tracking the flow of money related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The signs, on average, cost around $1300 to erect, and critics cite the procedure as no more than costly public relations on the part of the Obama Administration.
A report from the Atlanta Journal Constitution last month estimated the total cost of erecting the signs to reach $600,000, which set off a slew of public outcry. The GDOT admitted that both the AJC report and the ensuing negative public opinion influenced the decision to pull the plug on the plan.
The federal government does not require states to erect the signs, and many states originally opted out of the procedure.
Comments
It's amazing the ways govt can find to waste our money. At least they are really good at something.
This sounds just like all the other transportation policy in this state.
Why do I need to know how it's funded, I'm pretty sure I'm paying for it no matter what it is!
I think it is an important function of government to provide basic services and facilities for its citizens, like transportation, education, safety, protection, and defense. People who do not like countries with basic infrastructure, perhaps can try life in a country like Somalia.
It makes me want to go into public budgeting. What an idiot idea to pay all that money for a sign. I'd rather all the stupid marketing materials to employees and free shirts generated by my company would totally be hacked off in favor of raise, personally. Besides, if you have to preach to the choir or market to people already bought in, it is a waste.
Love all the comments! Sara C, couldn't agree more with your point - as always, thanks for the comment.
Donna S - great point as well, but it's important to make the distinction between what is actually providing those services and what is inhibiting them.
Keep 'em coming.
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