GR leaders ready with stimulus wishes

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The City of Grand Rapids has the list. Now they wait with the rest of the country to find out who and when the stimulus money will be doled out.

"We know we won't get funding for everything," Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell told commissioners during their Tuesday morning work session.

The price tag on the city's wish list adds up to $209 million, with road repair right at the top.

"Local projects that need to be done soon, now, last week" said Heartwell.

Interim city manager Eric Delong is working with other local agencies to coordinate projects. Part of the prioritizing involves being able to match money with existing funding through the state.

"Because this is moving so fast, we haven't computed the job potential," Heartwell said.

Second Ward commissioner David LaGrand said Grand Rapids will be on the short end of the stick when it comes to funding. LaGrand calculates citizens of Grand Rapids will only get about $20 per person in return for the money Washington will spend.

"The math is a little depressing," says LaGrand.

The numbers are all based on assumptions. The state will decide how to allocate the funds.

"We need to make a push in Lansing," said Heartwell.