Do public works projects stimulate local economies?

On Thursday's Your Call, we'll take a look at the public infrastructure projects that we depend on. How is public money being allocated and who is making these decisions? What are we still good at making locally? This past Sunday the final sections of the Bay Bridge were delivered from Shanghai. The bridge builders estimate they saved $400 million by outsourcing to a Chinese company. But at what point is that extra burden to taxpayers worth the trade to stimulate local economy? Has local hiring on these major projects become inefficient? Do public works projects no longer stimulate local economies? It's Your Call with Rose Aguilar and you.

Guests:
Corey Marshall, Good Government Policy Director from SPUR (San Francisco Planning & Urban Research Association)

Dr. Gray Brechin, Historical Geographer and Author

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What is the state of America's infrastructure?

On the next Your Call, we'll have a conversation about our deteriorating infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers recently gave the state of bridges, sewers, roads, and transit a 'D' Grade. They say the US must invest $2.2 trillion over five years to bring the nation's infrastructure to a good condition. What needs to be fixed in your area? Join us at 10 or send an email to feedback@yourcallradio.org. What will it take to make this a national priority? It's Your Call with Rose Aguilar, and you.

Guests:
Abolhassan Astaneh-Asl, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UC Berkeley.

Gray Brechin, a historical geographer, a visiting scholar in the U.C. Berkeley Department of Geography and founder and project scholar of California's Living New Deal Project.

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Your Call 030209 What's the future of transportation in the Bay Area?

What's in store for the future of transportation in the Bay Area? On the next Your Call, we'll have a conversation about the $495 million federal stimulus funding allocated for Bay Area regional transit agencies and road projects. Which projects should we invest the money in? You can join the conversation by phone or by sending us an email at feedback@yourcallradio.org. What are your transportation priorities? It's Your Call, with Rose Aguilar and you.

Guests:
Randy Rentscher, Metropolitan Transportation Commission's Manager of Legislation and Public Affairs

Scott Denman, president of Genesis

Guillermo Mayer, a lawyer with the Bay Area's Public Advocates.

Click to Listen: What's the future of transportation in the Bay Area?