Had a great question posed to me yesterday about the press conference planned for Monday about the RR relocation project;
“Would Sioux Falls taxpayers approve spending $27 million of city money, essentially on a 10 acre parking lot? Or is it okay because it is Federal money?”
This wasn’t from a fellow Joe-Six-Pack, but from a local elected official. My response was that I am fine with receiving FED money for ice storm cleanup, needed infrastructure, etc., but this is simply a handout to the Railroads. Because we know at the end of the day the city will probably only get about $2-3 million back from selling the land.
I am also puzzled about this being a celebration? Why would we be celebrating handing over $27 million of Federal taxpayer money to a private industry?
A social will follow, sponsored by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. (DTSF). The social will include hors d’oeuvres, punch, and jazz music by the Jim McKinney Quartet.
For $27 million, there better be some caviar.
On behalf of my daughter, I wish the feds would not print the money for this. The federal taxpayer gains zero from this and we are broke anyway. If someone wants the land let them buy it. This is more crony capitalism and federal handouts.
Headline in today’s AL:
Obama, Buffett Decline Invitations To Event At Rail Yard
In Mike Huether’s mind, I’m certain he thought the President of the United States and the owner of BNSF railroad might actually show up!
Jonathan Ellis’s statement:
The agreement, which uses ‘mostly’ federal money secured in 2005…….
???? I believe taxpayers understanding of this deal is that it involves ONLY federal earmark money.
Does this also involve local and state tax dollars? If so, they have been successful in keeping this very quiet.
The city managing this worries me. If it’s like the levee project, the federal money will come in but become reallocated for another unprofitable Huether folly. Then, the same eye sore with neither the railroad or the feds responsible. I don’t think citizens realize the half billion in city debt is insolvency post Huether.