Schwarzenegger: state could use $44 billion from stimulus

California has $44 billion in infrastructure projects throughout the state that could be aided by a federal economic stimulus package, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote yesterday in a letter to president-elect Barack Obama. The projects would generate nearly 800,000 jobs, the governor estimates.

Obama and Congress are hashing out the details of a stimulus package that could reach $1 trillion and is expected to include billions of dollars for infrastructure projects, with the goal of creating jobs. Obama has set a requirement that such projects be "shovel ready" in order to put the dollars immediately to use.

Cities, counties and states have been clamoring to compile lists of projects that have completed the design and permitting stages and could be ready to start construction within months.

Local officials have said funds could be used to repave streets, repair aging sewage pipes, and place solar panels on public buildings.

In his letter to the president-elect, Schwarzenegger said the state could use $11.8 billion for energy and energy efficiency projects; $11 billion for road, transit and rail construction; $4 billion for health care infrastructure and information technology; $1.1 billion for school construction; and more than $5 billion for airport, park and other infrastructure.

The governor encouraged the Obama to "waive or greatly streamline" National Environmental Protection Act requirements to hasten the start of projects.