Recovery.gov keeps its eyes on the money

The White House’s Recovery.gov Web site for tracking the $787 billion in anticipated stimulus spending is getting more connected: It has begun adding links to federal agency and state Web sites that are monitoring their own share of spending.

As of today, Recovery.gov is providing links to 10 state Web sites and 19 federal agency Web sites. More states and agencies are expected to participate soon.

Recovery.gov “probably be going through many more changes in the weeks ahead as data starts to come in on how states and agencies are actually spending the stimulus funds,” Michael Smallberg, Web outreach editor for the Project on Government Oversight, wrote on the group’s blog Feb 26.

The state-sponsored recovery sites offer a variety of information. Virginia’s and Illinois’ sites welcome visitors with a form for submitting ideas for funding. Maine and Kansas have numerous links for additional stimulus spending information.

With the exception of Agriculture and Energy, most other federal departments have set up recovery Web sites offering bits of information on the stimulus spending. For example, the Homeland Security Departement's site gives a brief overview, stating that “the Recovery Act specifically includes money for projects and programs administered by the Department, about half of which is likely to be allotted to information technology-related programs.”

In addition, Recovery.gov has begun providing updates on governors providing certifications for obtaining the stimulus funds. Starting Feb. 17, the governors have 45 days to certify that they will spend the money appropriately on projects for jobs and economic growth. Three states, Michigan, Texas and Wisconsin, have posted their certifications on Recovery.gov as of today.