Houston City Controller Annise Parker today launched a new web site to allow the public to track the dollars flowing to Houston from the estimated $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. "Transparency and accountability are critical to keeping the public informed about how the funds are being allocated and spent locally," said Controller Parker. "Taxpayers have a right to know that their money is being used to create jobs to keep our economy growing and to help keep people in their homes. This is especially important at a time when the area is already losing jobs due to the economic downturn. My office will continue to expand the Web page to provide ongoing information on this effort. When the dollars actually make it to Houston , we will share information on where they are spent. I believe we can improve our chances of winning more funds if we show our use of the monies already received is meeting the goals of creating jobs."

Tracking the Houston Stimulus is found at http://www.houstontx.gov/controller/Recovery/houstondollars

The Web page currently displays anticipated formula allocations the Houston area expects to receive. Right now, that figure totals approximately $187 million. This includes more than $15 million for the Houston Police Department, Houston Office of Emergency Management, Houston Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security and the Harris County Sheriff's Department. In addition, there is $36.5 million for energy efficiency improvements at city facilities and $13.5 million for the purchase of foreclosed and abandoned homes. In addition to the formula allocations the city will be pursuing numerous competitive allocations that could push the local stimulus impact much higher.

The Web site also includes links to information on grants, contracting opportunities for businesses and other potential funding opportunities made available by the ARRA. This information is compiled as part of State Comptroller Susan Comb's effort to track the stimulus impact statewide. Her web site can be found at http://www.window.state.tx.us/finances/stimulus

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