Rhode Island has received $3 million in federal stimulus money to build fish ladders in the Pawcatuck and Ten mile rivers.  The project is meant to help fish migrate upstream, which currently requires the help of volunteers.  The project probably wouldn't have been possible without the help of Senator Jack Reed, and federal stimulus dollars.

     These projects were chosen partly because they were "shovel ready," and far along in the permitting process.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration points out that this project may create up to 18 jobs.  Does that seem right?  $3 million in federal stimulus dollars will create up to 18 jobs.  That comes out to $166,667 for each temporary job they create.  For just a moment, let's put the project aside.  Is it really worth while to spend $3 million to create 18 temporary jobs?  Will this project have an economic impact that will stimulate the economy and put more people to work long-term?  It seems doubtful.

     The federal stimulus was riddled with problems from the beginning.  It put a focus on "shovel ready" projects, but many of these projects are of questionable economic impact.  It is essentially a give away for free-spending members of Congress to complete pet projects.  Since it's approval, there have been proposals to build a skate park, ATV trails, and now, fish ladders.  If you think this project should be funded with federal stimulus dollars, then you have more problems than the fish in need of the ladders.