Boswell sees signs of economic gains

BELLE PLAINE - U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell thinks he sees early signs of an economic turnaround, but the Blue Dog Democrats still worries about the cost of the federal stimulus package.

"That's a lot of money," Boswell said Friday, referring to the $789 billion recovery plan Congress approved to help the nation's economy

rebound from recession. "It's figures I can't even imagine."

He's concerned about the growth of the national debt if the stimulus plan doesn't work, "but if we are successful, it will be a giant step toward getting rid of our debt and getting our economy back on its feet."

Boswell, a member of the Blue Dog caucus of fiscally conservative congressional Democrats, had reservations about the size of the investment.

"But I'd rather fail trying than fail sitting on our hands," he told a group of Belle Plaine city officials. "Do I worry? Yes I do. It's a big investment, but this country needs this to succeed."

The stimulus may be working, he added later.

"I think I see some progress in the last couple weeks," the seven-term congressman said. "People tell me they are receiving orders to manufacture, they're clearing stuff off the shelf, bringing people back to work. Developers and real estate folks tell me property's moving - not big-time, but moving."

He doesn't expect a quick turn-around. If there are signs of a strong recovery by the fourth quarter, Boswell will be happy.

"I'm feeling reasonably positive," he said, "but I will continue to worry about it because it's a humongous amount of money."

Belle Plaine city officials hope Boswell, a member of the House Transportation Committee, can find money for the expansion of Highway 30 to four lanes. They believe their Benton County community of about 3,000 people might attract people looking for an alternative to city life.

"With people getting shot on the streets of Cedar Rapids and Waterloo and attacked in Iowa City, we want them to come to Belle Plaine where it's safe and we have good schools," Mayor Jim Daily said.

Boswell promised his support even if it meant getting an earmark for Highway 30.

"I know what you're talking about. I travel it" he said. It's not unjustified for him to earmark funds for the project because he's "better-versed on the project than some bureaucrat behind a desk in Washington."