Just before Christmas, the Wall Street Journal published an article about how “Green Builders [are] Awaiting The Green.”

The article simply reminded us (and builders across the country) that the General Services Administration had until the end of 2009 to allocate $2 billion for green building construction projects.   And another $3.5 billion is waiting for distribution in 2010, as per the America Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

That’s the good news for green buildings.

The bad news?   The GSA is having trouble spending  the money.

The excuse is legitimate.  First, public projects generally move slower than private ones, and the slow movement on projects has resulted in most GSA funded projects being stuck in planning phases, leading to low-spending.   Second, bids are coming in lower than expected.

While this spells bad news for public contractors in 2009…it is a relief that 2009 is over (and good riddance).   The GSA has some extra cash burning a whole in its pocket, and more money to spend.   Hopefully, these public projects will get underway and more green building will ensue…and that it will happen in Louisiana.

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