Washington, D.C. -- Hawaii Representatives Neil Abercrombie and Mazie K. Hirono are urging Congressional leaders and the Obama Administration to give serious consideration to targeting significant funding in an Economic Recovery package, which could amount to $775 billion, to investments in public works and job creation in Hawaii.

Abercrombie and Hirono wrote to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey today to point out that Hawaii has more than $2 billion worth of projects that are ready-to-go.  The Hawaii Congressional delegation had requested Hawaii’s four mayors to identify their most urgent public works needs, and has now “put the request in the hands of Congressional leaders and the incoming Administration.”

“We think it’s crucial that the stimulus legislation’s direct funding get to the state and local government level as soon as possible,” said Abercrombie. “Our local leaders know which projects could be underway immediately creating jobs, and represents the wisest investment of public money.” 

“As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have emphasized with my Committee Chairman James Oberstar, who has taken the lead on this part of the bill, the importance of making sure that the counties also have access to funding for ready-to-go projects, “ said Hirono. “Just yesterday, I urged him to find a way to make certain that the priorities of mayors and local governments--not just the state--are funded.”

The House of Representatives has already begun hearings on economic recovery legislation, and could vote on the measure before the end of January.

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