A bridge to Microsoft HQ: Critics slam $11M in federal stimulus for overpass

[OhioChick]

Source: Computer World

March 31, 2009 (Computerworld) A 480-foot freeway overpass that would connect two campuses at Microsoft Corp.'s headquarters in Redmond, Wash., is being criticized because about one-third of its $36 million cost would be paid with federal stimulus funding.

Proponents say the bridge is a "shovel-ready" project that will ease local congestion by adding vital routes for cars, bicyclists and walkers, while also benefiting workers at other companies and local citizens. Microsoft is agreeing to contribute $17.5 million, or 49%, of the cost of the bridge.

"We're not a one-company town," Redmond Mayor John Marchione told CNN. "Our traffic studies show that Microsoft traffic would be about 42% of the bridge, yet Microsoft is paying for about 50% of the bridge, so we think we are getting fair value."

Critics say that funding should be reserved for more important projects, such as repairing unsafe bridges or building roads and overpasses that benefit a larger swath of the general public.

Critics add that Microsoft, which still has more than $20 billion in cash reserves despite announcing 5,000 layoffs and belt-tightening measures earlier this year, should pony up most or all of the construction cost.



Read more: http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9130833

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:wtf:

[BlooInBloo]

1. Only people who have no fucking clue what the congestion from 520, 40th, and 156th is like...

would even consider bitching about this.

Or else NO "congestion relief" projects should receive money.

Just because people hate Microsoft (and foreigners) isn't sufficient reason to bitch about this.

[truedelphi]

6. One of the notable (in a good way) things about Marin County CA is how they

Were the first county in the country to ask that major developers and employers pony up the money needed to help create the freeway ramps into or out of the buildings that those developers and employers wanted built.

Hahn had to buy a flood plain, wildlife marsh, and offer the County 12 million bucks in order to get the Village Shopping center approved.

I think that Bill Gates could equally afford twelve million.

[sutz12]

8. Bill Gates isn't really involved any more, but oh well...

This is a badly needed overpass for the city of Bellevue. Yes it will benefit Microsoft, but it will benefit the general community a lot, too. I spent 30 years in Southern California. While traffic around here isn't that bad, I don't go to Bellevue, even on the freeway. It sucks.

[Tempest]

13. Why should Microsoft pay all the cost when they see less than half the benefit?

n/t

[Canuckistanian]

11. If traffic patterns show that it's necessary, then why not?

It's not like this was being built for Microsoft's benefit only.

[ChromeFoundry]

2. Guess Microsoft didn't work out all the bugs

when they decided to put buildings on both sides of a major highway.

Did they name the bridge yet? Maybe Vista is fitting.

Only someone with their head buried so deep in their ass would support this project over more important one. Like the ones that target safety over convenience. Growth over corporate interests. We might as well burn the fuckin money.. at least a few homeless people will keep warm for the night (maybe some of the 5,000 MS just laid off).

[OhioChick]

3. Proposed bridge in yellow....

Seems that Microsoft would have more than 42% of the traffic.

[jordi_fanclub]

4. "Interesting" bridge... $75'000 per foot OR $6'250 per inch!!! (n/t)

[quiller4]

5. Construction of the bridge has been delayed almost 10 years

When Microsoft built the second campus WA DOT was talking about beginning construction of the bridge before the campus was opened.

The traffic in the area is terrible and has been for decades.

[lumberjack_jeff]

7. What people who don't live here don't realize is that our traffic is near the worst in the country.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21326693/

Traffic is a horrible mess and the fact that Microsoft is paying for their part is a good thing.

[Mithreal]

9. Driving several blocks out of the way is such an inconvenience.

Too bad Microsoft employees didn't have a series of tubes they could use to communicate back and forth across the highway. Or maybe like a video phone so they could talk face-to-face.

[keopeli]

10. This is a STUPID article that panders to MS haters. It's about a bridge. There is no controversy.

I live about a mile from the proposed bridge. For everyone who doesn't live here, take it from me: we NEED it. Actually, we need MUCH more than that bridge. We need bigger solutions. But for now, and especially to stimulate the local economy, it's a great idea regardless of whether Microsoft even exists in our neighborhood.

The article mentions "critics." Who are these "critics?" Well, a guy with an opinion from the organization Taxpayers for Common Sense. I'm sure he's a good guy. I'm also sure he doesn't live here. And the other critics? People who have left negative comments on websites about the bridge! That's what this article calls 'critics.'

What is this BS?

Look. When you need a bridge or a levee or a new highway in your area, I'm not going to scream to high heaven because some big company in your area isn't paying more than their fair share. Please pay us the same respect.

Peace.

[Azlady]

12. K&R