For better or for worse, it’s your tax dollars at work. Big construction undertakings by your state may seem pointless during the building process. After all, what’s the purpose of widening an interstate to alleviate traffic when the 10-year project itself is making traffic worse? But when everything comes together and the final touches have been made, the reward is that your commute has been made easier – at least until another population boom. Here are some of America’s most expensive state projects.

1. Big Dig – $22 billion with interest
   The Big Dig, also known as the Central Artery/Tunnel Project, is the most expensive highway project in US history. It cost $15 billion to build from 1991 to 2007, and an additional $7 billion in interest will be charged before the project is paid off in 2038. Its purpose was to relieve congestion on I-93 in Boston by steering traffic into an eight-lane, 3.5 mile tunnel. Since it has been in use, numerous leaks have been spotted and fatal accidents have occurred. In 2006, a woman was killed when three-ton ceiling panels collapsed onto her car. Even still, officials have maintained that the Big Dig has done its job.
2. San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, East Span Replacement for Earthquake Safety – $6.2 billion
   After the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake that damaged a part of the east span, statewide studies were undertaken in an effort to determine whether or not California’s bridges were safe from seismic activity. Because of the result of the ‘89 quake and the information gained from the study, safety improvements were planned for the Bay Bridge. The entire east span is currently in the process of being replaced, and it’s scheduled to open in 2013.
3. Mon-Fayette Expressway – $5.4 billion
   Construction on the Expressway began in the 1970s and it’s expected to be completed in 2011. During the process, costs have skyrocketed from $1.2 billion to $5.4 billion because of rising costs of construction materials and design changes. Its purpose is to connect Morgantown, West Virginia and Pittsburgh, and assist in the economic revitalization of old steel towns along the way. However, the population along the first section of the Expressway is decreasing, and roadway traffic is down from when the first section opened in 1990.
4. Ohio River Bridges Project – $4.1 billion
   The Ohio River Bridge Project is intended to link Louisville with Southern Indiana, and according to kyinbridges.com, it “will result in safer travel, less congestion and improved access to destinations in the region.” Included are the construction of two bridges and a reconfiguration of Louisville’s Kennedy Interchange, also known as Spaghetti Junction, where three interstates (I-64, I-65 and I-71) merge. As of the summer of 2010, it’s likely that tolls will be imposed along its routes.
5. Interstate 69 in Indiana – $4 billion and counting
   Not only will the I-69 project connect Evansville to Indianapolis, but according to the state of Indiana, it’ll also spur economic growth the state and the country. Nationally, it’ll be connected to 17 of the country’s top 25 seaports and 15 of the country’s top 25 air cargo airports. Its importance is reflected in its rising cost; much of which is going toward the construction of the new Ohio River Bridge
6. Central Texas Turnpike System – $3.6 billion
   The Central Texas Turnpike is intended to provide relief to the growing Central Texas region, specifically Austin and San Antonio. According to Texas Governor Rick Perry, the project was completed a year ahead of schedule and $400 million under budget because of innovative methods of funding. It was financed by a combination of state highway dollars, local contributors, the sale of bonds and a federal loan.
7. Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project – $2.5 billion
   Originally, the Woodrow Wilson Bridge was supposed to serve 75,000 vehicles per day, but nearly 200,000 vehicles crossed the bridge per day in 1996. The extreme congestion along with the accompanying wear and tear prompted the formation of a new plan to build two new six-lane spans. More than 10 million man hours have been spent on the overall project thus far, and 44,000 tons of steel and 100,000 tons of concrete have been used. The project is set to be completed in 2013 when the finishing touches will be put on the Telegraph Road Interchange.
8. I-95 New Haven Harbor Crossing Corridor Improvement Program – $2.2 billion
   According to i95newhaven.com, the program “features public transit enhancements and roadway improvements along 7.2 miles of I-95, between Exit 46 (Sargent Drive) in New Haven and Exit 54 (Cedar Street) in Branford.” The result will be less congestion from New York to Boston. Currently, more than 140,000 vehicles per day use the roadway; 100,000 vehicles more than it was built to accommodate.

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The feeling of accomplishment is glorious when you pull into your driveway and realize that your yard is the best in the neighborhood. Beautifying your home by surrounding it with lush greenery and colorful flowers will not only enhance its value, but the scenery will also provide you with a peaceful outdoor area to unwind, relax and collect your thoughts. So brave the heat, get your hands and knees dirty, break a sweat and spend your free time this summer tackling projects that’ll enhance your yard. Here are a few to consider.

• Fertilize
  Fertilizer is rich in nutrients, and once you apply it to your yard, your grass will be thicker, greener and devoid of unsightly weeds and pesky insects. Be sure to buy fertilizer that’s intended for summer use. Don’t apply it during midday when the sun is beating down on your grass, and don’t forget to water afterward.
• Collect compost and add it to your soil
  Save grass clippings, branches, vines and other natural waste – like fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, nutshells and coffee grounds – to make a compost pile, which will boost the growth of your lawn and garden. The natural fertilizer balances the pH level of the soil, prevents erosion of topsoil, releases plant nutrients and improves water drainage. Here’s a guide to composting from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
• Establish a walkway
  You don’t want the thick grass that you’ve worked hard to maintain to get trampled. If your yard lacks a concrete walkway, or if your guests ignore the one you have, establish a new one by laying bricks or stone pieces. Choose a design that will best suit your home and lawn aesthetically. Not only will it eliminate the crease in your grass, but it’ll also give your home new flavor.
• Prune and plant
  If you have some unruly trees and shrubs that need to be pruned, take out the shears or a machete and go to town. However, keep in mind that some trees and shrubs are best cut in certain seasons. During the summer, it’s best to prune azaleas, lilacs, magnolias, mountain laurels, hawthorns, forsythias and flowering crabapples. If you want to plant a garden of flowers, consider daylilies, purple coneflowers and black-eyed Susans.
• Install an automatic irrigation system
  Don’t allow for the dryness of summer to take its toll on your lawn. By properly installing an automatic irrigation system, you’ll conserve water, save money and ensure that your grass, plants and trees get sufficient moisture. If you plan to do it on your own, be sure to solicit the advice of a certified irrigation contractor. Just don’t rely on the “on/off” setting and check it regularly; you don’t want to overwater and waste money.
• Mosquito-proof your yard
  Mosquitoes can be a pain during the summer, especially in humid climates. You want to enjoy spending time in your yard without having to deal with tons of bites afterward. Rid the pests from your property by removing the standing water in which they breed. You can put a birdhouse in your yard, which will attract birds to feast on mosquitoes and other bugs. You can also place mosquito traps in strategic locations to prevent their assault.
• Wash your home’s siding
  Dirty siding can taint an otherwise beautiful yard. Rent a pressure washer from your local hardware store or rental equipment dealer and wash your vinyl or metal siding. Wood and brick siding should be cleaned more delicately with a regular hose and mild soap solution. Regardless of the surface, proceed with caution; painted areas can chip and fade if too much pressure is applied.
• Build a new fence
  If your old fence is rotting and coming apart, spend some time constructing a new one. First determine whether or not you want to build the same type of fence. If not, choose a style and type of wood – wood fences are most common – that would best fit with your yard. Be sure to stain your pretreated lumber so that it’ll survive the weather and remain looking new for years.
• Build a patio
  A patio can serve as your summer outdoor retreat for family fun. Just like when you build a fence, it’s important to ensure the style of the patio fits with the rest of your home and yard. Leave enough room for the activities in which you’d partake on it – like a cooking area. Be sure to create the perfect atmosphere; surround it with plants and proper lighting.
• Cover the bare spots
  Have any unsightly bare spot where absolutely nothing will grow? Don’t waste your time planting and replanting, and cover it up with big rocks and stones. But if the area is even somewhat conducive to life, you can cultivate a rock garden. You can also place a bench in a shady and bare area on which you could sit and enjoy the new view of the rest of your yard.

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One of the great joys of being a homeowner is the opportunity to rebuild your fence once every several years. Determining which fence best suits your home stylistically and practically can be difficult. Of course, you can only do that after you’ve received approval from your homeowners’ association, which may or may not advocate one specific type of fence for all houses. If you’re given the choice, you might consider one of the 10 common residential fences listed below that are seen in neighborhoods across the country.

Wood fences:
• Picket
  Picket fences are typically four feet tall, containing small gaps between each board. These are perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing fences, though they tend to symbolize the generic style of suburbia.



• Privacy
  The best way to enclose your property and prohibit your neighbors from peaking in on your daily activities is to erect a privacy fence. Typically, it stands six-feet tall, but you might be able to build it up to eight-feet if your homeowners’ association approves.



• Lattice
  Lattice fences are semi-private, but more appealing visually than many other types of fences. They’re characterized by crisscross patterns of wood strips, forming holes that enable you to see through to the other side.



• Slat
  You’ll most commonly find slat fences in the Southwest, where they fit the scenery of the rugged terrain. Wooden slats are laid horizontally, giving the fence a distinct appearance. The only problem is that they’re usually not built high enough to keep children in or out.



• Basket weave
  Basket weave fences are appealing aesthetically and aren’t difficult to construct. In most cases, they’re installed horizontally and they can sit on sloping terrain. The amount of privacy provided by a basket weave fence ultimately depends on how high you stack it.



• Post and Rail
  Although post and rail fences are most commonly scene in rural areas, many suburbanites who own larger properties have adopted the style. They contain two to four rails, and they’re easier to build than most other types of fences.



Vinyl Fences:

• Privacy
  A vinyl privacy fence is a bit more stylish and expensive than a wood privacy fence. It can be lower maintenance and longer-lasting; you just have to hose it down every once in a while.



• Concave Picket
  Distinct from a regular wooden picket fence because of its sloped design, a vinyl concave picket fence is perfect for the front yard, where you want to be able to socialize with your neighbors. It’s typically three to four feet tall with six-inch centers from post to post.



Steel:

• Chain link
  Chain link fences are considered more economical than the alternative, although they tend to be less aesthetically pleasing. They come in many different heights, and serve to separate your property from the next person’s property while protecting children and animals from entering or leaving. They’re usually made from galvanized steel, but you can also find them in vinyl.



Iron:

• Ornamental
  Wrought iron ornamental fences offer a classic look, and you can select a unique design that matches with your home. Obviously, they won’t protect your privacy, but they will keep out unwelcome guests depending on their size.

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