Ann Arbor racks up millions in federal earmarks

When it comes to federal dollars in Washtenaw County there is “Stimulus” cash and “Omnibus” cash. Right now the difference is we know where the Omnibus money is going and Ann Arbor is one of the big winners.Omnibus is short for the Omnibus Appropriations Act, which is the budget bill that Congress passes each year. These are notorious for earmarks, federal dollars set aside by members of Congress for projects back in their districts, which make up a fraction of overall bill (this year’s earmarks total approximately 3%). What some talking heads like to decry as pork turns out to be valued funds for getting stuff done outside the beltway. That means $2.5 million in projects that will directly impact Ann Arbor. The big winners include: $950,000 for the Detroit-Ann Arbor commuter rail project $951,500 for a wind generator for Ann Arbor’s water treatment plant $381,000 for facilities and equipment upgrades at the University of Michigan Health System $237,500 for the Allen Park GreenwayThe Omnibus bill also includes language directing the Federal Transit Administration (the agency that doles out funds to build mass transit lines) to give “priority consideration” to the Detroit-Ann Arbor commuter rail line. That project is expected to come on line in the fall of 2010.Source: Offices of senators Carl Levin and Debbie StabenowWriter: Jon Zemke