Stimulus: $6 million to make snow -- in Minnesota?

by Ich bin Ala-awkbarph Mon Dec 29, 2008 10:33 am

http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/36810939.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUr

More than half of the request for Minnesota cities -- some $413 million -- is slated for projects in Duluth, in a district represented by Minnesota Democrat Jim Oberstar, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Oberstar is expected to have a large say in shaping the public works investments in the final stimulus package. He has recommended an "earmark-free" system that relies on federal aid formulas. That would direct just $208 million for Minnesota roads and bridges.

An aide to Oberstar said he had no hand in the mayors' wish list, which includes a number of road and highway projects in his district, including $5 million to paint Duluth's iconic Aerial Lift Bridge. Also tucked in are $2 million for a lake-walk extension at Beacon Point and $6 million for snowmaking and maintenance facilities at Spirit Mountain.

In a related story, $13 Million has been set aside for a bullshit farm in Washington, D.C.

by TerryRC Wed Dec 31, 2008 9:58 am

...extension at Beacon Point and $6 million for snowmaking and maintenance facilities at Spirit Mountain.

Sometimes it gets too cold to snow.

Sometimes is is too warm to snow.

Want to guess how much money places like Canaan Valley and Timberline and Wisp are missing out on right now?

by Ich bin Ala-awkbarph Wed Dec 31, 2008 10:02 am

TerryRC wrote:...extension at Beacon Point and $6 million for snowmaking and maintenance facilities at Spirit Mountain.

Sometimes it gets too cold to snow.

Sometimes is is too warm to snow.

Want to guess how much money places like Canaan Valley and Timberline and Wisp are missing out on right now?

We are not talking about places that have been ravaged by Global Warming like WV--we are talking about MINNESOTA. (IF Bob Byrd (who is 97-98% chimp) thought we needed snowmakers,then by Gaston we would have them!)

by TerryRC Wed Dec 31, 2008 10:11 am

We are not talking about places that have been ravaged by Global Warming like WV--we are talking about MINNESOTA. (IF Bob Byrd (who is 97-98% chimp) thought we needed snowmakers,then by Gaston we would have them!)

You failed to address the point. Sometimes parts of Minnesota do lack significant snow.

When was the last time Canaan didn't have a base this time of year, for whatever reason?

These businesses need the surety that snowmakers offer.

by Aaron Wed Dec 31, 2008 10:19 am

Most snow resorts build a base of 3 to 5 feet before they get any fresh powder. It packs and freezes harder and last longer then the real deal.

It's also a pain to ski on as well but it's certainly better then nothing.

And as it's also a necessity for a ski resort, they should buy their own and not expect the government to purchase it for them.

by Ich bin Ala-awkbarph Wed Dec 31, 2008 10:22 am

Aaron wrote:Most snow resorts build a base of 3 to 5 feet before they get any fresh powder. It packs and freezes harder and last longer then the real deal.

It's also a pain to ski on as well but it's certainly better then nothing.

And as it's also a necessity for a ski resort, they should buy their own and not expect the government to purchase it for them.

Well, at least with Global Warming, the ski resorts won't have to make sunshine n the summer.

by TerryRC Thu Jan 01, 2009 10:51 am

And as it's also a necessity for a ski resort, they should buy their own and not expect the government to purchase it for them.

I'm sure you are for getting rid of all government spending in the private sector.

I'm not saying that the government should pay for it. I'm just saying their need is not necessarily BS, as Keli suggests.

by Aaron Thu Jan 01, 2009 11:25 am

I agree. And if the state is providing economic stimulus or tax incentives for job creations or capital expenditures, then a snow making machine may very well qualify as tourism is a very profitable industry.

But as you said, I don't think there should be government spending in the private sector. How do they distinguish which resort gets government money and which one doesn’t.

Is the resort that gets the money the one who’s brother in law is a state legislature, does it go to the biggest political donor or a combination of both?

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