$24 million to aid area beaches, dredging:
The [NC] coastal area is positioned to receive about $24 million for beach nourishment and dredging projects in the massive federal spending bill Congress is debating in its final hours before adjourning for the year.
I find myself a bit responsible for this bit of pork.
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The local money for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects includes more than $3.7 million for Wilmington Harbor deepening and $378,000 for sand restoration at the Brunswick area beaches.
I worked on a study that estimates the benefits of beach nourishment.
The spending bill also includes nearly $5.5 million for dredging in the Intercoastal (sic) Waterway.
I worked on a study that estimates the benefits of dredging in the IWW.
"We have got a great Christmas present for Southeastern North Carolina," said Rep. Mike McIntyre, D-N.C. "The money is an astounding amount, especially when you consider the money that's included for the Wilmington Harbor, beach renourishment and for the deepening of our inlets."
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McIntyre said lawmakers were under pressure to show a wider relevance for any type of special project request.
"This year, to get these fundings you have to show there is a regional or national significance," he said, adding that he argued on the safety and business benefits of maintaining and deepening the waterways. "There's clearly a regional impact economically that in turn has a national impact when you consider the intercoastal (sic) water and the coastline is an environmental treasure."
Er, no. There is a regional economic impact but no national impact. GDP will not rise as a result of this bit of government spending. And the national treasure part? Only the undeveloped islands will generate economic benefits to the rest of the country.
These studies linked above were used to show the "wider relevance" for this type of spending. I'm guilt-ridden. Will someone please sanction me?
But, seriously, what do you think the role of an academic economist is in this case? My view is that I want to do research to advance knowledge (stop laughing ... stop laughing NOW!). The economic benefits information provides a piece of the policy-making puzzle, along with cost estimates, equity considerations, etc, and the democratic process does the rest.
