So Who's Right on Roads Funding?

In today's edition, Brad Heath at USA Today looks at where Recovery Act funds for road rehabilitation and repair are going and reports that "half of the nation's worst roads are in counties that will only get about 20% of the stimulus money allocated by state and federal officials for street repairs." Heath reports that according to John Barton, the head of engineering at the Texas Department of Transportation, "the problem is a byproduct of a stimulus package designed to spend as fast as possible to revive the economy. Many roads are in such bad shape that repairs would take too long and cost too much to qualify for funds."

A Federal Highway Administration spokesperson, Cathy St. Denis, is quoted in the article saying that "it's improper to compare stimulus funding to rough roads. Objective reviews show that Recovery Act dollars are going to the communities that need it most." And even U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has offered his opinion on the USA Today piece, arguing in his blog today that "this biased report has missed the boat completely. We are getting money quickly out the door to areas of the country that need it most and for roads and bridges in the worst shape." So, what's the real story? The Economic Recovery Grants Center would love to hear your thoughts in this debate.