It’s no surprise that there is intense competition for stimulus projects.  Competition can be good and result in more efficient construction.  But competition can also lead to complaints, disputes and even litigation.  

Connecticut is experiencing intense competition for stimulus funding.  

"There’s nowhere near the amount of money for individual projects that people thought there was," one senior lobbyist lamented.

Still, advocates and their clients ask whether putting solar panels or a geothermal roof on a planned new building would qualify them for some energy funds (it might); they ask about the permit process (a bill to expedite project approvals has yet to be passed by the legislature); and they want to know how the feds define a stimulus ‘job’ (still not clear). 

When I read this article, I couldn’t help but notice the complaints about the "green" stimulus projects:  

In her meeting with Fritz, Cheri Quickmire, director of Common Cause of Connecticut, noted that a portion of the stimulus money must go to create "green jobs."

"How does a road-paving project create a green job?" Quickmire said last week, recounting her conversation with Fritz.

To my knowledge, there is no requirement or guarantee in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to create a certain number of "green jobs."  

Stimulus funding for green building projects will help the industry grow.  Complaints about the administration of green building stimulus funds, though, should be of concern to the industry.  Complaints mean bad press.  Complaints mean bid protests.  Complaints mean litigation. 

Have you heard any rumblings about green stimulus projects?