This Sign Is Wasting Your Money—and Killing People

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 14, 2009 1:47 PM CDT

(Newser) – The federal government has mandated that every road project funded by stimulus money proudly tout the association with road signs, and that really steams Tait Trussell. The signs, “designed to meticulous federally dictated standards,” go for about $1,000, Trussell writes on Front Page. “So, publicizing thousands of projects will cost many millions of additional dollars—which, needless to say, won’t provide a whit of stimulus.”

“Apparently,” Trussel continues, “this is what Vice President Joe Biden…meant when he said ‘We know some of the money is going to be wasted.’” And the garish new signs are dangerous to boot. “Fully 29% of drivers in crashes were distracted by outside events or objects…such as a big new, ‘retroflective’ sign.” But Trussell suspects a stealth agenda: “Perhaps these wasteful policies, and their dangerous unintended side effects, will increase support for Obama’s most cherished government program: national health care.”

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

Cali. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger stands in front of one of the signs at a highway project. (AP Photo)

An example of the sign. (US Department of Transportation)

The offending sign. (US Department of Transportation)

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Atop each sign is another sign with government-dictated precise dimensions as to placement of the wording and art. It says in bold letters “PUTTING AMERICA TO WORK”–as if no other Americans were employed in the private sector. - Tait Trussell

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 37 comments

NotEvsie

Jul 15, 2009 9:37 AM CDT

"“So, publicizing thousands of projects will cost many millions of additional dollars—which, needless to say, won’t provide a whit of stimulus.”" WOW! MAGIC SIGNS!!! They are not made by people, or put in their place by people. MAGIC, I tell you!

fancygapva

Jul 15, 2009 6:16 AM CDT

How much do the Adopt a Highway signs cost? This is nit-picking. There are plenty of things wrong (and RIGHT) with the recovery act. How about doing a little investigative reporting and bring something useful and significant to light?

psycada

Jul 15, 2009 1:36 AM CDT

Sorry

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Joe Biden • highways • road safety • economic stimulus package • Obama administration • federal funding • road sign • American Recovery and Reinvestment Act • ARRA

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