Bridges to nowhere

Back when the appropriations for next years transportation projects were released, there was a lot of noise generated about a bridge in Sitka, Alaska which would cost some $220 million to build and connected an island with 50 inhabitants to the mainland and took the place of a 5 minute ferry ride. Of course, Senator Stevens was the big foot for this boondoggle in Congress with Congressman Young from there helping since he is Chairman of the Transportation Committee in the House. There was a lot of controversy about this, especially after Katrina caused so much damage that we seem obligated to make right at great expense. As I have blogged on before, my favorite Senator, Colburn of Oklahoma, tried to get the earmarked money for this infamous bridge removed and the money sent to Louisiana instead. No go. Senate voted it down flat.
That move was tough to swallow politically since all logic was stood on its head. The guys in Washington are not stupid however. They have now removed the earmark. That is right. There is no more a designation that the money being sent to Alaska to build that bridge. Here is what you may not see in the fine print. The money is still going to Alaska to build that bridge, but it is up to the state to decide whether or not to build it. They could do something else with the money. Now, doesn't that make you feel better?