Federal databases show the stimulus project that included planting
flowers and vegetation at I-164 and Morgan Avenue hadn't even
started. As it turns out, the nearly $60,000 project had already been completed two years ago. However, you can hardly tell either way.
***
When you drive by, you won't even notice it. You won't even see the freshly cut grass. You won't even know your tax dollars are buried at the corner of I-164 and Morgan Avenue.
Using nearly $60,000 in stimulus money back in July 2009, INDOT awarded a beautification contract to Earth Images Inc. The company is based out of Floyds Knob, IN.
In September 2010, Earth Images was paid and relieved of it's contract. From that point, the company was not responsible for maintaining the freshly planted wildflowers and natural vegetation. Now, in 2012, all we have to show for it is a barren field absent of any flowers.
Instead of flowers, in fact, you have weeds. Instead of natural vegetation, you have trash. Where crews aren't supposed to mow, they have. Well, except for around the signs that tell them not to.
INDOT officials say they simply used the money the federal government gave them as part of the stimulus. Some early voters have a problem with that.
"It seems like government doesn't think it's real money," said Tom Cahoon of Evansville. "We need accountability."
Nearly $60 thousand of taxpayer money with nothing but grass clippings to show for it.
And you paid for it.
***
When you drive by, you won't even notice it. You won't even see the freshly cut grass. You won't even know your tax dollars are buried at the corner of I-164 and Morgan Avenue.
Using nearly $60,000 in stimulus money back in July 2009, INDOT awarded a beautification contract to Earth Images Inc. The company is based out of Floyds Knob, IN.
In September 2010, Earth Images was paid and relieved of it's contract. From that point, the company was not responsible for maintaining the freshly planted wildflowers and natural vegetation. Now, in 2012, all we have to show for it is a barren field absent of any flowers.
Instead of flowers, in fact, you have weeds. Instead of natural vegetation, you have trash. Where crews aren't supposed to mow, they have. Well, except for around the signs that tell them not to.
INDOT officials say they simply used the money the federal government gave them as part of the stimulus. Some early voters have a problem with that.
"It seems like government doesn't think it's real money," said Tom Cahoon of Evansville. "We need accountability."
Nearly $60 thousand of taxpayer money with nothing but grass clippings to show for it.
And you paid for it.
