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Cash-Squeezed States Warn of Collapsing Infrastructure

Fed stimulus eyed as municipal bonds wither

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 23, 2008 6:57 AM CST

(Newser) – Thousands of infrastructure projects across the country are on hold as states wrestle with budget crises, the New York Times reports. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger warned yesterday that California was “on a track toward disaster" as school, bridge, and road construction projects ceased, the victims of the credit squeeze and institutional investors' declining faith in municipal bonds.

More than 40 states are struggling with budget shortfalls and some projects have been halted midway through. Many state officials are hoping Barack Obama's plan for a huge stimulus package will revive stalled projects. But analysts warn that in crying wolf to woo federal funds, governments may be spooking the individual buyers who are now often the only takers for municipal bonds.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger warned yesterday that California is on a track toward disaster as infrastructure projects grind to a halt.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger warned yesterday that California is on "a track toward disaster" as infrastructure projects grind to a halt.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger calls on state lawmakers to settle their differences and reach a solution to the growing state budget deficit, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger calls on state lawmakers to settle their differences and reach a solution to the growing state budget deficit, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
A police officer walks near the Pulaski Skyway bridge in Jersey City, NJ. The state has long struggled to fund repairs to the aging bridge.
A police officer walks near the Pulaski Skyway bridge in Jersey City, NJ. The state has long struggled to fund repairs to the aging bridge.   (AP Photo/Jose F. Moreno,file)
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We're hopeful, keeping our fingers crossed like every other state, that a stimulus package will come through.
- Steve Swartz, a spokesman for the Kansas Department of Transportation

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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Shannonals
Dec 27, 2008 3:31 AM CST
Didn't Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger say the economy was in good shape shortly before the GOP convention?

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