Sometimes the bureaucrats just wait to be sure nobody will be "offended" by too "swift" of action. They've become gun shy about doing the job they're supposed to. Because, if you "offend" the wrong politico, you can get burned. Preferential regulation based on how well politically "wired" you are has almost become the "normal" condition, just look at what happened at the banks? Every decision has become too political, all politics (and political money) all the time. At times, not even the rule of law, or even common sense appear to have any impact on the process.

This dispute isn't as bad as some. Hell, some very large west coast states are already in danger of losing some of the stimulus, because the State Legislature's, Governor's, Regional Boards, or large transit operators can't decide who to earmark this "swag" to? In some cases, this has resulted in embarassing public fights over the "local" political "swag" that's come from Washington. Congress (for a change) didn't earmark stimulus, so we just moved the earmarking to the next level of government. The country may need work, but some of these people just need campaign contributions, and they haven't lost their job?

A lot of rail projects could benefit, a lot of businesses and industries hanging on by a thread could benefit, a lot of folks out of work could sure benefit, if some of these people would get off of their asses and make some decisions, and quit screwing around. I sure hope they figure it our soon.