Stimulus Money: Another Case of Waste

From Alton, Illinois' The Telegraph comes another story of how taxpayers' hard-earned dollars are being carelessly thrown around on projects that truly don't "stimulate" the nation's economy (emphasis added):

Rehab under way at Missouri sanctuary site

WEST ALTON, Mo. - Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary across the Clark Bridge from Alton is getting a host of improvements with $4,377,613 in federal stimulus money.

The work, on land flanking either side of the Missouri end of the bridge, is divided into two main projects.

First-stage improvements are ongoing at the Lincoln Shields Recreation Area to the west of the bridge despite being slowed by wet weather the past several weeks.

"We cleaned the trail between the river and pond so fishermen can have a better access to that to do bank fishing," said Jon Summers, natural resources specialist at the area. "We are cleaning up the area to build a better experience for visitors and to support and improve the ecosystem. Lincoln Shields has been an area planned to get people back in touch with nature."

In coming months, the second stage will begin - construction on the Riverlands Sanctuary Orientation Center adjacent to offices at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Riverlands Demonstration Area, 301 Riverlands Way, east of the Fisca gas station.

At Lincoln Shields, crews tore down the older, deteriorated "pit" restroom a few weeks ago that will be replaced with another comfort station, albeit another "pit" style. Summers said the restroom area, close to the river, does not have electric or plumbing service.

A picnic pavilion will go up on top of the levee near the new restroom in coming months, he said. Construction workers had planned to begin digging holes this week for the picnic shelter supports.

...

Corps staff was unable to provide a breakdown of costs of the components of the two projects at the Riverlands. The Web site for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, www.recovery.gov, says Riverlands is getting $4,377,613 and breaks down contracts without specifying their work components.

I've been to Alton in the winter time to watch the Bald Eagles.  They are amazing, and the park service does an excellent job of providing knowledgeable presenters, telescopes for the public to use, and pleasant viewing areas.  However, I don't understand why $4+ million of federal stimulus money are being pumped into this.  Sadly, this is yet another wasteful use of what was intended to help lead our nation to economic recovery.