Hempstead Town 40 Million Program for Jobs

While the federal government moves forward with efforts to develop a stimulus plan for the economy at large, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray is implementing a $40 million local stimulus package designed to support job creation and stimulate the local economy.

Some local governments are coping with economic stress and budgetary shortfalls by reducing or eliminating funding for major construction and other capital projects. At Hempstead Town, Supervisor Kate Murray has made it clear that she will NOT follow the trend. Her government is offering a robust $40 million capital package for 2009 that supports a full array of construction projects and equipment purchases.

"Our town's substantial capital project agenda amounts to a real and substantial stimulus plan that will effectively enhance our local economy. The benefits of this plan will far exceed its immediate costs as it will decrease unemployment while improving the town's infrastructure and easing the effects of the economic downturn," Murray stated. "In this time of economic distress, workers are losing jobs and construction contracts are drying up. This is precisely when governments must step up and provide funding for construction projects and other initiatives that will support jobs and stimulate the economy."

Hempstead Town has tens of millions of dollars in shovel-ready construction projects that will be fully funded through Hempstead Town's local stimulus plan. The Supervisor observed that the town's major roadway reconstruction, drainage improvement and construction projects will keep hundreds of Long Island workers gainfully employed.

"We're helping local families by providing direct economic stimulus from the town," stated the Supervisor. "While we have reached out to Washington for federal economic stimulus monies, I won't risk the livelihood of our region's workers on what amounts to very speculative federal assistance. If we get Washington dollars, it will only create more jobs and enhance our program."

Murray explained that even equipment purchases, such as construction equipment that will be procured with a portion of the $40 million town stimulus monies, will help bolster the sagging economy. Clearly such purchases will help those working in the hard-hit manufacturing sector.

"Government leaders at all levels have an obligation to do everything in their power to help bring about economic recovery," concluded Murray. "We're doing our part in Hempstead by moving ahead with a genuine and meaningful stimulus plan that will support well paying jobs."