Ind. launches stimulus website
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The state of Indiana has launched a website to provide information about the federal stimulus package and use of the funds here. The address for the website is www.in.gov/gov/INvest.htm
This site provides information about the federal legislation and has a “frequently asked questions” section as well as links to announcements that are made in Indiana.
Gov. Mitch Daniels has provided an introductory message for all who visit the website, in which he states: “My direction to our team has been simple: jobs, speed, prudence and long-term value. We will use these dollars to put Hoosiers to work quickly. We will use them carefully, making sure to protect education and other services in the years after these one-time funds stop coming.
“And whenever possible, we will use them to create assets of lasting value: roads, bridges, buildings, but also better prepared teachers, more energy efficient homes and so on.”
This website states it will be maintained to keep Hoosiers fully informed about uses of federal stimulus funds and they are invited to check it often. It will be the central point for state communication about the federal funds, to be updated frequently as additional information becomes available.
Mexico allows GMO corn
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico is changing its laws to allow the planting of genetically modified (GMO) corn for experimental reasons.
Growers will now be able to apply for government permission for experimental plots. The law, published Friday in the official registry, does not specify limits on how much GMO corn can be planted or where.
Mexico is the birthplace of corn and had banned GMO varieties completely until now. Environmental groups oppose the measure, calling it the first step toward widespread cultivation of GMO corn. Opponents warn that modified corn could contaminate fields and threaten the crop’s genetic diversity. Mexico has more than 200 varieties of corn.
The government has not said whether it plans a general legalization of GM corn.
Whole Foods recalls pancake mix DENVER, Colo. (AP) — Whole Foods Market is recalling its 365 Everyday Value Brand Organic Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix that was sold in 19 states because it might be contaminated with salmonella.
Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. No illnesses have been reported, according to the company.
The product was sold in 2-pound bags with best before dates of Nov. 1, 2009, and Nov. 2, 2009, stamped on the top. They have the UPC code 99482-42453.
Iowa panel dismisses complaint DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The House Ethics Committee has unanimously rejected a complaint filed against the head of the House Agriculture Committee claiming her ties to the hog industry amounted to a conflict of interest.
The complaint argued that Rep. Dolores Mertz (D- Ottoson) had blocked measures to tighten regulations on the industry. It noted her sons run a 4,000-head confinement operation.
The five-member committee said there was no allegation that Mertz or her family profited by legislation she promoted or blocked and that it’s inevitable lawmakers will act on issues impacting their profession.
The citizen’s group Iowa Citizens for Community Action filed the complaint and called the decision “business as usual at the Statehouse.”
Utility cancels $1.8B Iowa plant DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Interstate Power and Light (IPL) is canceling plans for a $1.8 billion coal-fired power plant in Marshalltown, citing the economy and uncertainty over legislative and regulatory regulations.
The utility made the announcement March 5. Spokesman Ryan Steensland said the project won’t be resurrected even if the economy improves. He said IPL will continue developing new energy sources, including construction of a wind farm in northern Iowa.
The power plant would have been capable of generating 630 megawatts, enough to power 472,000 homes and businesses. IPL is owned by Wisconsin-based Alliant Energy.
Wild birds likely avian flu source HONG KONG (AP) — The Hong Kong government said wild birds might be to blame for an avian flu outbreak at a local chicken farm three months ago.
The authority said an inquiry into the outbreak in December showed the deadliest strain of the virus H5N1 might have been introduced to the farm by droppings of wild birds.
The outbreak had prompted the slaughtering of more than 80,000 birds in the farm and nearby poultry operations as a precaution.
Agricultural official Thomas Sit is quoted as saying in a statement March 5 that it is difficult to determine the exact cause based on an epidemiological study.
The H5N1 strain has killed at least 256 people worldwide since 2003, most through contact with sick birds. |
