The largest stimulus-fueled road projects in Palm Beach County have created less than 20 percent of the jobs once promised, a Palm Beach Post analysis based on federal job-creation standards shows.
Though the Obama administration pitched stimulus projects as “shovel-ready,” only half of Palm Beach County’s 12 road projects were complete entering July, more than two years after Congress’ approval in February 2009. And the region’s biggest project, the Indian Street Bridge in Martin County, has barely begun.
Local officials forecast nearly 600 jobs at five of Palm Beach County’s largest projects in early 2009. At least that many people got paychecks. But the hours worked amount to slightly more than 100 “full-time equivalent” jobs, based on 40-hour work weeks.
Full Story: Post investigation: Did stimulus money create jobs in Palm Beach County?