Project Selection and Starts Face Multiple Requirements

To implement a project using federal funds, agencies and funding recipients must comply with federal laws and regulations. - Photo Courtesy of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

As of December 31, 2009, the 27 federal agencies Government Accountability Office reviewed had obligated a total of $194 billion (63 percent) of the about $309 billion that was appropriated by the Recovery Act for projects and activities, according to data provided by agency officials.

As of that same date, the agencies reported they had spent 20 percent ($61 billion) of their appropriated funds. However, according to agency officials, the amount reported as spent may not accurately reflect the amount of work done on a given project because payment for federal projects generally occurs after work is completed, and the recipient may not yet have submitted an invoice for payment. This means there’s still funds for projects out there and the landscape industry needs to take advantage of all its opportunities.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 aims to stimulate the economy. It provided $787 billion in spending and tax provisions; more than a third of the money was slated for projects and activities, including construction and certain research projects. – Courtesy of GAO