NATIONAL NEWS

The Hill: Businesses lackluster in support of jobs bill
http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/74467-businesses-lackluster-in-support-of-new-jobs-bill
NAM spokeswoman Laura Narvaiz said the group supports the additional infrastructure spending in the jobs package as a way to create jobs and growth. But she said the jobs bill needed to be more “comprehensive.” “We remain concerned … that the House jobs bill doesn’t go far enough to ensure long-term growth and create lasting high-paying jobs,” Narvaiz said.

Forbes: Broadband Stimulus Lacks Bandwidth
http://www.forbes.com/2010/01/05/telecom-economic-stimulus-technology-cio-network-broadband.html
The federal government's announcement of the first broadband stimulus awards is a terrific first step in extending the reach of broadband communications across the United States. However, the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) need to pick up the pace in awarding broadband stimulus funds, and take additional steps to ensure program dollars are deployed with maximum efficiency and impact.

STATE NEWS

Journal of Commerce: States Push for Funding Extension
http://www.joc.com/node/415703
States won a limited reprieve in December in their struggle to preserve the amount of federal funds they can authorize for transportation projects, and they could add $12 billion if the Senate acts quickly on a new jobs bill, according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

Times Herald: Why our state needs another source of transportation money
http://www.times-herald.com/opinion/Why-our-state-needs-another-source-of-transportation-money--944385
The first report from the state's new transportation planning director warns Georgia's cities will get more congested and moving freight from the ports will get harder unless new funding sources are found soon.  It calls for additional resources equivalent to a 1 percent sales tax statewide, in addition to "a robust approach to tolls" and networks of managed lanes and transit. Doing so could allow the state to capture up to $480 million in economic benefit and 425,000 new jobs over the next 20-30 years.

Tennessean: Red tape snarls state's road projects, builders
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100106/OPINION01/1060359/1008
Which road are we on?  In Tennessee, officials received $572 million in stimulus funds from the federal government in 2009 to be used for state road projects.  At virtually the same time, about $200 million that was supposed to go to Tennessee roadwork as part of regular (not stimulus) funding was rescinded. The net result, according to Chief Engineer Paul Degges with the Tennessee Department of Transportation: "We're going to be operating with about 30 percent less (federal) money than we got last year.''