Show me the money! Tri Cities Could Cash in on Obama's Economic Stimulus Plan

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Story Published: Jan 29, 2009 at 6:40 PM PST

By Chelsea Kopta

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TRI CITIES -- It took some digging to follow the money trail back to the Tri Cities. Millions of federal dollars aren't exactly spelled out city by city.

But there are, of course, local projects big enough to warrant big bucks from the feds.

Hanford has a push for $6 billion over four years. The Department of Energy said spending more money to finish cleanups faster would release more property for development.

Despite major slashes to the state education budget, the feds plan to give money to our local school districts.

Pasco's will make out with the most, topping out at $9,256,400 million.
Kennewick follows with $7,798,000.
Richland's getting about half that with $4,205,200.
Franklin county is in line for $1,328,400.
Ki-be, Finley and Burbank could cash in on $400,000 to $800,000.

These numbers come from the Congressional Research Service. It's a website that site estimates how much districts can receive from the bill for certain projects. It's not clear what it would be spent on.

There's also a reprieve for folks struggling with dwindling savings, foreclosures, debt and lost jobs. The centerpiece tax cut calls for a $500 break for single workers and $1,000 for couples, including those who don't earn enough to owe federal income taxes.

There are also tax breaks for businesses making investments in equipment and renewable energy production.

It's all cash savings, hopefully, available right here in our community.

Obama's not the only one trying to dole out federal dollars.

Senator Patty Murray and Governor Chris Gregoire have state stimulus plans with local projects on the list.

Columbia Basin College could score more than $21 million to replace the vocational building.

The Walla Walla Penitentiary would get about $14,000 for the South Close Project to continue construction in the recreational yards and for security.

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