Raleigh, NC – After researching the federal government’s website charged with tracking stimulus spending, the Civitas Institute has created its list of The 10 Worst Federal Stimulus Projects in North Carolina.
Among the questionable contracts identified by the Civitas Institute are:
• $71,623 for a study of monkeys using cocaine
• $147,694 to study if yoga can reduce hot flashes
• $762,372 for interactive, virtual-reality type dance computer programs
• $253,123 to better preserve a massive insect collection
“Reviewing the actual grants awarded in the stimulus act reveals a rather questionable strategy for the disbursement of stimulus funds. Many projects seem completely unrelated to avoiding an economic ‘catastrophe,’ but rather an ad hoc satisfaction of countless dubious wish lists,” said Civitas Institute Policy Analyst Brian Balfour.
Prior to signing his federal “stimulus” bill in early 2009, President Obama warned, “If we do not move swiftly to sign (the act) into law, an economy that is already in crisis will be faced with catastrophe.”
“There is so much pork in the stimulus package, taxpayers don’t have to choose between Lexington or Eastern NC style, they get both,” added Balfour.
One year later, the debate over the stimulus bill’s effectiveness rages on. But claims of avoiding economic “catastrophe” fly in the face of a close inspection of stimulus grants and contracts awarded to North Carolina.
To view the entire list visit the Civitas Institute here.