Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and Council President Phil Andrews today sent letters to the County’s federal delegation urging adoption of legislation to include funding for local governments as Congress considers ways to jumpstart the economy.

“Montgomery County has a comprehensive and well thought out capital improvements program and with additional funding, is poised to implement numerous ‘shovel ready’ projects quickly,” said Leggett. “Our capital budget reflects careful long-range planning, and as a government that values transparency, we are accountable to both our constituents and the sources of financial support.”

Leggett and Andrews urged legislators to provide funds directly to local governments or mandate that state governments provide an appropriate portion of their funding to local governments. The list of projects submitted by the County is by no means complete, but was put together to demonstrate the overwhelming need for economic stimulus, infrastructure improvement and job training.

“We are ready to move ahead quickly with much-needed infrastructure improvements that help develop a green economy and create jobs,” said Andrews. “All we need is additional funding, and we will be ready to proceed on projects that meet the key goals of the economic stimulus package.”

The County submitted projects related to energy, the environment, transportation, economic development, parks, schools, sewer mains and water and wastewater treatment. Examples include:

• Developing a Green Economy: Programs that are part of the county’s Green Economic Development Initiative will advance businesses, technologies and jobs within Montgomery County and the State of Maryland to develop, deploy or adopt green products or services.

• Improving Infrastructure: Highway and transit infrastructure projects include the Purple Line, Corridor Cities Transitway, expanded evening Ride On bus service, new roads and extended bike paths.

• Enhancing the Environment: Many projects to improve water quality are ready to begin construction within 180 days of funding, including initiatives to address aging water and wastewater facilities. Parks and recreation projects would provide jobs and promote green infrastructure investment.

• Creating Economic Growth: Montgomery County is the engine that drives Maryland’s economy. Workforce development projects, which will create jobs and train workers, as well as other economic development efforts will have broad impacts on the entire state.

The list is available on the County’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov.

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Media Contact: Patrick Lacefield, 240-777-6507