Utah may get $4 billion through federal stimulus package

As groups continue crunching numbers to figure how much each state will receive through the stimulus package that President Barack Obama signed into law this week, some now estimate Utah will receive in the neighborhood of $4 billion.

For example, the Center for American Progress figures Utah will receive at least $3.76 billion. The think tank says it could attach spending to specific states for only about two-thirds of the spending in the new law.

The Senate Democratic Policy Committee issued revised numbers Thursday about how much it says key parts of the program will bring to Utah. They include:

At least $337 million for infrastructure projects.

That includes $213.5 million in highway funding; $58.1 million for mass transit; $40.7 million for clean- and drinking-water projects; $11.7 million to build or refurbish affordable housing; $8.5 million for the Homeless Prevention Fund to help the poor with such things as rental assistance; and $4.1 million to improve public housing, including improving energy efficiency.

At least $185 million for education and training.

That includes $105.5 million for special-education grants to help those with disabilities; $56.7 million for Title I education programs to help the disadvantaged; $5 million for vocational rehabilitation for the disabled; $4.5 million for state employment services; $3.3 million in state grants to help dislocated workers; and $3.1 million for education technology, such as buying new computers.

At least $72.8 million for green energy programs.

That includes $35 million for the State Energy Program and $38.8 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program.

At least $124 million for programs designed to help protect the vulnerable.

That includes an extra $89.6 million for food stamps; $22.4 million to help low-income people obtain affordable child care; $4.9 million in Community Services Block Grants; an extra $4.2 million to allow more children into Head Start; $763,000 for senior meals programs; an extra $930,000 for school lunch program equipment; an extra $574,000 for the Emergency Food Assistance Program; and $489,000 for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

At least $19 million for law enforcement.

That includes $15.8 million in grants to support law enforcement; $1.8 million in Violence Against Women grants; $1.2 million in Internet Crimes Against Children grants; and $487,000 for crime victims compensation and assistance.