Tempe prepares wish list in case of federal aid

Murmurs that the U.S. Congress may pass an economic stimulus package that includes state aid for infrastructure projects has Tempe penning a wish list of municipal projects to target that money.

Notice of the potential federal funding came from Tempe's federal lobbyist, Congressional district representatives and the Maricopa Association of Governments.

Amber Wakeman, Tempe's government relations director, told the City Council Thursday that hopes of Congress approving the stimulus package during the lame-duck session were dashed this week, but that it would likely be discussed again in the new session.

“We have learned that most likely President-elect Obama will take the lead on an economic stimulus package when he takes office on Jan. 20,” she said.

Tempe Public Works manager Glenn Kephart asked the council to create a committee to prioritize the current list of Tempe projects.

“There's discussion in Washington D.C. that … public works projects would be included in a stimulus package,” he said earlier in the week. “We approached it (the list) assuming the sky's the limit … we want to be prepared in case we're asked to (limit requests).”

The item was referred to an early January council committee.

Councilman Mark Mitchel said, following the meeting, that the money would help cities create jobs.

City Manager Charlie Meyer said earlier in the week that the federal funds would help Tempe pay for pending projects and move up the completion of projects dated for future years sooner.