Porky's Corner

The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009, introduced by House Democrats on January 15, 2009, is filled with earmarks that many have labeled as pork projects. Here at GrabAShovel.com, we will highlight some of the more questionable earmarks in the bill.

Want to read the bill itself? Head over to readthestimulus.org where you can download the PDF or text-only versions of the bill. 

Self-Help and Assisted Homeownership Opportunity Program

The SHOP funding will be competitively awarded to eligible national and regional nonprofit housing organizations to develop or rehabilitate low-income housing. This competition will emphasize rehabilitation in rural, high-need areas, especially projects that will employ sustainable building practices for increased energy efficiency. Grants will
be awarded quickly,and construction work will begin rapidly to help employ underemployed construction workers while building and improving housing for low-income Americans.

Cost: $10,000,000

 

Trenton, NJ Maritime Museum

Port of Trenton Museum - reconstruction of historic building into a maritime musuem.

Cost: $4,000,000

 

Goodyear, AZ City Hall

City Hall (no further details available).

Cost: $55,000,000

 

Florissant, MO Music Hall of Fame

Construction of a new Music Hall of Fame Building in Historic Old Town Florissant. This building would be a joint venture between the University of Missouri at St. Louis and the City of Florissant.

Cost: $35,000,000