Projects in Providence that will be funded by the economic stimulus program that President Obama successfully shepherded through Congress will also require the approval of the Providence City Council, under an ordinance to be introduced according by Council Majority Leader Terrence M. Hassett, Ward 12. 

Seeking to insure that all city leaders have some say on how the federal funds will be spent, Hassett said that he will insist that the council approve the use of federal funds on all city projects.  He noted that it is not unlike the approval required upon application for Community Development Block Grant funds.  Under an ordinance approved by the City Council several years ago, such an application for federal funds (specifically how the funds will be used), must be approved by the council before it is submitted to the federal government.

“The requirement for council approval in the city’s application for federal grants has worked quite well in the past,” Hassett said.  “This proposed ordinance will specifically require approval from the council before any department of city government may accept the funds for distribution under the President’s Economic Recovery Act.”

Hassett said that the City Council was not consulted when the city submitted its “wish list” to the Obama administration as part of the President’s Economic Recovery Plan.

“The council leadership has not been asked for any input or consultation on behalf of its membership,” Hassett said.  “When there is discussion of infrastructure of local streets, sewers and public places, consulting with council members is not only the proper thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.”

Hassett said that there are potholes in every neighborhood, ravaged streets and overflowing sewers that require immediate attention.

“Council approval will be required once the ordinance passes,” Hassett said.  “We are requesting that the city administration submit its list of priorities it sent to Washington so that the process may move along without delay.”