The makework involved in these stimulus-funded highway projects is mind-boggling. Nothing more than a transfer of wealth and job security to unions in exchange for Democrat support at election time.
I've fantasized about vandalizing those damn $10,000 orange signs. Talk about sticking it in our faces.
The highways are just the most visible example. I always thought it was bad until I saw a 106 acre park facelift project in Oakland County. During the summer, the average attendance at this local (free) park is about 50-60 people. At most, the upgrade may have increased attendance by 10-20 people per day. I'll quote directly from the
propaganda:
[blockquote]
The improvements were paid for with $5.5 million in capital improvement bonds being repaid with tax revenue, and with a $500,000 from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Navarre said.
The old park had only picnic areas, a sand volleyball court and a playground.
The money was used to completely revamp the park.
“It was like building a subdivision,” said Navarre.
Water and sewer lines were installed to provide for flush toilets and running water.
An imposing new lodge — which can be rented for gatherings of all kinds, including showers, reunions, parties and indoor picnics — sits near the main entrance.
“The buildings are heated by geothermal heat coming from earth,” explained Navarre.
Roads and parking lots were designed and constructed. Rainwater is treated onsite.
“The back parking lot has permeable asphalt,” he said.
A new parks maintenance facility to accommodate all 12 West Bloomfield parks’ equipment has been constructed at Marshbank.
A toilet building, open three seasons except in winter, also features a screened porch.
“From the porch you get a great view of the lake (Cass Lake),” he said.
The dog-shaped cutouts around the park are to keep geese away, officials said.
A paved walking path extends around the park and is designed without steps for people of any ability, said Navarre.
All renovations are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act Architectural Guidelines. [/blockquote]
If you are wondering why I bolded the ADA statement, it is because of the unbelievable measures it took. You see, the old park was built on clay. So they removed it. Literally. The entire Effing park! It took over 2 years. They stripped several meters of clay off of about 1/2 of the 106 acres and replaced it with topsoil.
Thank god we have a "sustainable" park that can be navigated by any of our wheelchair bound citizens!
There are just a couple of minor details. The park is in an isolated area of the county. There are much larger and nicer parks that are close to the bulk of population. Although there may be a few disabled people who could reach the park without assistance, I have never seen a single disable person at the park. I run through the park 3 times a week.
What a waste - how many cities, counties, & states could tell this story? Parks, social welfare, economic growth projects, etc. All of them doing the same thing.
Digging holes!
(edited - grammar fix)