Pete Buttigieg Announces $19.5 Million Grant for Heated Sidewalks

 

A major influx of federal transportation dollars is on its way to the North Country. So goes the synopsis of this grant for the boonies of a forgotten northern town of Berlin, New Hampshire. I could ask about what is being done about our roads and bridges that are decaying beneath our trucks and cars, as opposed to not shoveling a sidewalk but then I would not be in the spirit of the moment.

Pete says the money is going toward economic growth. 

You may ask just where is Berlin NH? 

It is the northernmost city in New Hampshire. The population was 9,425 at the 2020 census,^[5] down from 10,051 at the 2010 census

The New Hampshire Senator Hassan cheerily says “It took three tries but we got it done.” Hooray for our pork. When the Mayor is asked how much money will be saved annually with this boondoggle – “About $130,000 dollars in today’s dollars.” and adds “No small chump change.” Hmmm.$19.5 million cost.

Now that is no small chump change. Guess whose the chump? Try American taxpayers. Of course does anyone really think it will end up costing just $19.5 million?

How about the maintenance of this project when completed? Thought I might ask…

Historically these systems were expensive to install, problematic to operate, and occasionally unreliable.

 

All is well in the very rural swamp land of New Hampshire.