Invest in Montana: Local companies should get crack at stimulus contracts in the state – Missoulian Editorial

A handful of stimulus projects along Montana’s shared border with Canada could go a long way in reviving some flagging local businesses and putting people back to work. Given that the entire point of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is to jumpstart the economy and create jobs, you might think that the contracts for these projects would be awarded to those Montana companies best qualified to do the work.

Well, think again. Fully qualified local companies, two of which teamed up to build four other border stations – and at a third of the cost anticipated for the new ones – weren’t even given the opportunity to bid on these contracts, which instead were given to two giant corporations in California.

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/articles/2009/06/04/opinion/opinion54.txt

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Stimulus funds: Tester says help with contracts on way

By MICHAEL JAMISON of the Missoulian

Frustrated that large, multinational corporations have tapped federal funds intended to stimulate Montana’s economy, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester on Wednesday secured the promise of a Montana visit from the soon-to-be boss of the powerful General Services Administration.

Martha Johnson, administrator-designate for GSA, told the Montana Democrat she would help host workshops here, designed to teach local business how best to apply for federal contracts.

“I would be delighted to come to Montana,” Johnson said, adding that she would confirm her scheduling when the meeting times are announced.

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/articles/2009/06/04/news/local/news02.txt