“Democracy in Action” as New Websites and Accountability Standards
Facilitate Transparency
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has triggered a
remarkable surge of activity in all 50 states that goes far beyond the
necessity of qualifying ready-to-go projects pursuing funding. At least 38
states have created new websites to help manage the project selection,
disbursement, and oversight process, and new sites are going up almost daily.
These brand new websites reflect President Obama’s commitment—and certainly
mine as well—to keep the American public fully informed about what’s happening.
That means spelling out investment levels, openly inviting project proposals,
and explaining how the funds will be tracked and monitored.
Let me share a few examples:
Colorado
Governor Ritter has created an
Economic Recovery and Accountability Board to provide oversight of ARRA
funds—with the information to be posted online.
Maine
Governor Baldacci has issued an
executive order to ensure accountability, transparency, and legislative
oversight of federal funds.
Montana
Legislation is moving through the state Senate to create a
commission—including private citizens—on ARRA oversight.
The list goes on from
there.
I am greatly encouraged by how swiftly states are moving
into position, so that they can deliver these funds where they are needed
most—and put people to work as quickly as possible.
This is truly a great example of democracy in action. And as
I’ve said repeatedly, the DOT will do its part to ensure that every dollar of
ARRA is spent wisely, responsibly, and with full transparency.
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