Rep. Johnson: $82M in Recovery funds flow into Fourth District
Concerned many Fourth District residents are still struggling in a tough economy and that Georgia unemployment numbers continue to slightly rise, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) was pleased that more than $82 million has flowed into the district from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Although the total is preliminary – Recovery funds will be spent well into 2010 – a more robust accounting of Recovery funds spent to date will be provided by the White House on Oct. 30.
The report is expected to show how Recovery Act monies have been spent and how many jobs have been and will be created with the funding.
By the end of 2010, the ARRA will provide – among many other projects – nearly $100 million for Fourth District schools, more than $65 million for MARTA, more than $100 million for roads and bridges and $8 million for weatherizing homes.
“It’s important that we leverage as many federal resources as possible to help residents struggling to find jobs, pay the mortgage or rent, attend college and put food on the table,” said Johnson. “The Recovery money is not a cure all, but a good boost that has already saved or created more than 1,200 teaching and construction jobs in our District. I think its impact will continue to be felt well into 2010 and beyond.”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ran a correction Friday, Oct. 23 after it reported in an article Oct. 19 that just $2 million from ARRA had flowed into Johnson’s district and $5.9 million into John Lewis’ (GA-05) district.
The correction on A2 read: “A chart accompanied a front-page article Monday about federal stimulus spending included some incorrect figures. … Rep. Hank Johnson’s congressional district has received $82 million.”
“I’m just pleased residents of the Fourth know I’m working hard to get this economy jump started again, and will do everything in my power to make that happen.”