I saw the Insta-dude's post about N.Z. Bear's PorkBuster page. I took a look at the finalized version of H.R. 3. I found it was easiest to click on the printer friendly version in the top left-hand corner. Then I searched within the page for all the instances of "AK" -- a case sensitive search will save you time when searching for your state.
For the Knik Arm Bridge, I've found five entries, which total $231,425,000.
Now, I've only lived in Anchorage for a little over six months, and I'm not very knowledgable about the debate surrounding the proposed Knik Arm crossing. The Anchorage Daily News [free registration required] has a page with their coverage of the debate.
In light of the anticipated cost of rebuilding the areas devastated by hurricane Katrina, I believe every state and local project that receives federal funding should come under some scrutiny. Despite what some Congressional-types might say, there is pork to be found. Unnecessary projects should be slashed, period. Beyond the ridiculous and unnecessary budget items, some projects will merit federal funding. Even those initiatives should garner a second look. Can the funding be suspended for a period? Would it be reasonable to re-allocate that chunk of federal tax dollars towards southern Louisiana? Hey Congressman [or Congresswoman], that empty stretch of real estate you've been wanting to turn into a highway off-ramp will still be there next year. The Port of New Orleans might not be.
I like the Insta-dudes idea of offering the delegates an opportunity to pick their own pork. Don't wanna give up your pet project? Fine. What will you give up, Congressman [or Congresswoman]?
Knik Arm Bridge funding from H.R. 3 in the extended entry.
SEC. 1302. NATIONAL CORRIDOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
14. AK Planning, design, and construction of Knik Arm Bridge
$30,000,000
SEC. 1702. PROJECT AUTHORIZATIONS
2465. Planning, design, and construction of Knik Arm Bridge
$151,000,000
3677. Planning, design, and construction of Knik Arm Bridge
$28,425,000
SEC. 1934. TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS.
2. Improvements to the Knik Arm Bridge
$20,000,000
10. Anchorage: Study, design, and engineering of Knik crossing approach routes to minimize traffic congestion
$2,000,000
Total spending authorized in H.R. 3 that relates to the Knik Arm Bridge: $231,425,000.
There's a ton of other projects. I'll have to figure out how to post it all. Like I said, I'm brand new to this blogging thing. I know very little about HTML and Movable Type; I'm learning as I go. There's gotta be around 100 of them, of various sizes.
