Oregon Public Broadcasting

Governor Ted Kulongoski gave marching orders Thursday to the advisory group he’s created to nab as much competitive stimulus cash as possible. Rob Manning reports.

Most of the $787 billion federal stimulus follows fixed formulas, or responds to the tax code. But states compete for another $37 billion that's meant to push innovations in sustainability.

Kulongoski says the Obama Administration is interested in a joint public-private approach, like the new Oregon Way group is using.

Ted Kulongoski: “This is the way government and the private sector should come together on these projects - and work together and use our common expertise to try to access these stimulus dollars.”

Kulongoski presented the team with three projects he believes are worthy of grant money: a solar highway project, rebuilding in the town of Vernonia, and  highly energy-efficient buildings at Portland Community College.

Members of a second group called a “war room,” were presented at the meeting. They’ll advise Oregon Way, and track money that comes in.