Gov says SC might take money despite misgivings
South Carolina’s Republican governor says his state may accept money from President Barack Obama’s stimulus plan even though he is ideologically opposed to it. Gov. Mark Sanford says being against the plan “doesn’t preclude taking the money.“
Published: February 19, 2009
Updated: February 19, 2009
WASHINGTON (AP) - South Carolina’s Republican governor says his state may accept money from President Barack Obama’s stimulus plan even though he is ideologically opposed to it. Gov. Mark Sanford says being against the plan “doesn’t preclude taking the money.“
Sanford said Thursday on CBS’ “The Early Show” that he took a stand against the president’s economic plan because it’s “a bad idea.“ But he says ultimately he represents the interests of the almost 5 million people of his state, and he will look over the plan and decide whether some parts would work for South Carolina.
Sanford also expressed skepticism about Obama’s plan to reduce home foreclosures. The governor says: “Throw enough money at any problem and you’re going to help some folks.“
Meanwhile, South Carolina’s Transportation Commission has adopted plans to spend $200 million of its share of federal stimulus money immediately on road, bridge and safety projects around the state. The commission rushed Thursday to commit a chunk of $463 million from the $787 billion federal stimulus plan intended for South Carolina road and bridge projects.
A $100 million resurfacing effort is intended to improve state roads based on a priority list set by the Department of Transportation based on requirements including engineering and safety needs.
The commission’s plan also calls for spending about $37 million on bridges and $50 million on the state’s interstate highway system.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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