"Find a way to speed stimulus spending" (editorial, June 25) is simply wrong to state that the pace of highway stimulus funding is slow.

As of today, the Federal Highway Administration has obligated $15.8 billion of the $26.6 billion available for roads and bridges under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This represents 5,000 projects nationwide to create and save jobs. The intent of the act is to select projects that are ready to move forward to stimulate the economy.

Nebraska so far has put to work more than $110 million statewide and obligated 30 projects. Stating that only one project was under way was also inaccurate - the U.S. 83 Thedford Viaduct construction project in Thomas County, the Nebraska 70 Arcadia West/Middle Loop bridge replacement in Valley County, and the U.S. 6 Hastings West resurfacing and reconstruction project in Adams County are just three examples of projects already moving forward.

And Nebraska was well ahead of the deadline in putting to work more than 50 percent of funds states are required to by the recovery act.

The expectation is to move quickly - and we have - to put people back to work. But we will do as the law requires, and suggesting the government ignore requirements is irresponsible. The regulations exist to ensure that highway and bridge projects proceed in an environmentally sound manner and will benefit the public.

The recovery act is not only about the number of dollars invested, but also how effectively and reliably those investments are made. The Federal Highway Administration will green light only those projects that are eligible for funding and can deliver jobs.

Jeffrey F. Paniati, acting deputy administrator, executive director, Federal Highway Administration

Political convenience

Helen Carnes writes that the three Nebraska Republican representatives voted no to an 8 percent expense increase ("Rising expense accounts," letter, June 24).

While this is admirable, aren't these the same level-headed Republicans who have contributed to the sagging economy by giving George Bush a blank check during his term in office?

It seems rather hypocritical that being fiscally conservative is only convenient when it is good for them or their party.

Kevin Dawson, Lincoln

Frontier fort is indeed a gem

Jeff Barnes's comments about Fort Hartsuff ("Fort Hartsuff is a state gem," Local View, June 25) are right on the mark. I have traveled to and written about military installations in this country and around the world.

Fort Hartsuff is one of the best preserved of all frontier forts anywhere. While I was researching a forthcoming book about battles that have occurred in Nebraska, I discovered the interesting fact that soldiers from the fort had taken part in a rather noteworthy battle - one of the first battles of the Great Sioux War of 1876-77 - called the Battle of the Blowout. Equally as interesting was that three medals of honor were awarded to Fort Hartsuff soldiers who fought in the battle.

Fort Hartsuff is a Nebraska treasure. The staff is first-rate; the restoration is extraordinary. We should not be so shortsighted as to lose this part of the state's history for ourselves or the generations of Nebraskans to come.

Tom Phillips, Lincoln