Monday, Nov. 17, 2008

Coble asking for $76 million

Columbia mayor in Washington to request money for projects

Columbia Mayor Bob Coble will be traveling to Washington today in an attempt to secure more than $76 million in federal money for a host of projects, including road improvements, homeless services and a nursing home.

But the money would come from a proposed infrastructure stimulus package that a leading House Democrat doesn’t think will happen until President-elect Barack Obama takes office.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors, in an effort to pressure Congress to approve the stimulus, released Friday a survey of projects in 153 cities worth $24.5 billion and 275,000 jobs if the stimulus package passes.

Columbia added 13 projects to the survey, including a trio of streetscaping projects on Harden, Main and North Main streets worth $42.5 million.

The street construction would undoubtedly slow down businesses in that area, but Coble said it is necessary if the area wants to grow.

“It would be like going to the doctor and getting a lifesaving operation,” he said. “Are you going to take out a few days? Yes. But if we don’t do it, the area will die of neglect.”

Other projects on the list include:

• $20 million for improvements for the Rosewood, Earlewood, Finlay, Hyatt, Drew and Greenview parks. City officials estimate that project alone would create 500 jobs.

• $500,000 for improvements to the city’s winter homeless shelter

• $3.75 million for an assisted living facility for the disabled in a low-income neighborhood. City officials expect that would create 125 jobs.

• $2 million in infrastructure for the Village at Rivers Edge — a 32-acre, 250-home development next to Columbia Canal.

U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, whose district includes parts of Columbia, said he supports the so-called “Main Street stimulus” package but he doesn’t think it will get approved until after Obama takes office in January.

“This administration feels it is better to send out $300 checks rather than fund infrastructure,” Clyburn said. “It’s the silliest idea I’ve ever heard.”

Coble said he plans to spend the night in Washington, which will add a few hundred dollars to the cost of the trip, which includes a $500 plane ticket.

Other council members are more direct with their funding requests. Friday, while speaking before hundreds of people at the ribbon-cutting for the new Celia Saxon Shopping Center, Councilman E.W. Cromartie turned to Clyburn and said: “Congressman Clyburn, we are looking for some more money.”

Reach Beam at (803) 771-8405.

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