Town to Feds: We need money

While the federal government is handing out money to cash-strapped banks and preparing to launch another economic stimulus package, the town of Culpeper says it wants in.

At its meeting last week, Town Council unanimously endorsed a resolution supporting a stimulus plan that funds local government infrastructure projects.

The resolution, developed by the International City/County Management Association, National Association of Counties, and National League of Cities, says building basic infrastructure like roads and sidewalks starts at home with local governments.

“Due to the current economic picture, the town of Culpeper has had to set aside many projects critical in nature,” the adopted resolution says.

Attached to the resolution are 14 projects, totaling nearly $42 million, with which the town says it could use some help. These include the planned $8 million renovation of an old church building into the new police station.

The resolution asks Culpeper’s Congressmen — Rep. Eric Cantor, and Sens. Mark Warner and Jim Webb — to “support funding for the projects as appropriate.”

In the report to Town Council prepared by staff, the town further makes its case:

“As Congress and the Administration prepare to take action on a new national economic recovery package, local governments are poised to play a vital role in the implementation of a practical plan that will help America’s hometowns and families by stimulating the economy, creating jobs for our residents and providing meaningful, long-lasting benefits to our communities.”

Culpeper’s federal wish list
Following are potential Culpeper town projects that council members would like to see funded through a national stimulus package under consideration by Congress:
n Improvements at Lake Pelham (raise dam height and pipe to water plant): $1 million
n New water tank for the south side: $750,000
n Water well rehab on Fairfax Street: $850,000
n Traffic signal, Madison Road and Golf Drive: $150,000
n Automated meter reading project: $1.7M
n Paving projects: $1.6M
n Police station: $8M
n Route 229 widening, phase one: $5M
n Route 229 widening, phase two: $9.5M
n Western inner loop road: $9.5M
n Disaster recovery records management: $150,000
n Sidewalks along Bus. 29 north of town: $1M
n Sidewalk and utility improvements in central business district: $2.38M
n West Street widening project: $298,000