Executive Summary
Western North Carolina (WNC) faces significant challenges in infrastructure, economic development, and disaster recovery. At the same time, large federal agencies are spending billions of taxpayer dollars inefficiently, including the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). By redirecting a portion of the wasted funds from these federal departments, we can provide immediate support for rebuilding and revitalizing the region, enhancing infrastructure, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable local development.
This proposal outlines a strategy to address the needs of Western North Carolina by reallocating funds currently wasted in federal agencies to support critical investments in the region’s recovery and long-term growth.
Background
Western North Carolina is a region with rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and a hardworking population. However, many communities in the area are struggling with aging infrastructure, lack of economic opportunities, and the slow recovery from past natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, and hurricanes.
The region’s recovery and growth depend on improving local infrastructure, creating jobs, and helping small businesses thrive. Yet, federal agencies such as the Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Veterans Affairs continue to waste billions of taxpayer dollars due to inefficiency, mismanagement, and lack of oversight. Redirecting just a portion of these wasted funds could transform Western North Carolina, addressing long-standing needs while ensuring that taxpayer money is put to good use.
Objectives
This proposal aims to:
- Redirect Wasteful Federal Spending: Reallocate funds currently wasted in federal departments to critical projects in Western North Carolina.
- Revitalize Infrastructure: Invest in roadways, bridges, Starlink internet, and utility systems to make the region more connected and economically competitive.
- Support Economic Development: Create new jobs, expand workforce training, and incentivize local businesses to grow.
- Assist in Disaster Recovery: Provide funding for the rebuilding of homes, businesses, and public services damaged by natural disasters, while making the region more resilient to future disasters.
Rationale for Redirecting Federal Funds
Department of Defense (DoD)
The Department of Defense (DoD) is the largest federal agency by budget, with annual spending exceeding $700 billion. Despite the immense budget, the DoD has faced repeated criticisms for wasteful spending, including overpriced contracts, poorly managed programs, and excessive overhead. For example, the Pentagon’s audit reports have uncovered billions in unaccounted-for funds, and numerous high-profile contracts have resulted in excessive costs with little benefit.
Redirecting even a small portion—approximately $5 billion—of this waste toward infrastructure and development in Western North Carolina could fund road improvements, bridge repairs, Starlink internet installation, and workforce development initiatives.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
HHS manages major programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and public health, yet it has been plagued by inefficiency, fraud, and waste. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimates that improper payments in Medicare alone accounted for more than $30 billion in 2020. These funds could be better spent on more effective healthcare services and regional development projects.
By reducing fraud and waste, a portion of the savings could be redirected to support healthcare programs for underserved populations in Western North Carolina, as well as fund infrastructure projects like Starlink internet access for rural communities.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The VA has long struggled with inefficiency, mismanagement, and fraud, costing taxpayers billions. In 2020, the VA’s waste and mismanagement were estimated at over $10 billion. These funds should be better spent supporting veterans and their families, but they could also be used to benefit the broader community in Western North Carolina.
Redirecting just a portion of these funds to rebuilding efforts in the region—particularly for veterans and rural communities—would provide long-term benefits to local economies and improve the quality of life for residents.
Proposed Allocation of Redirected Funds
The funds redirected from federal waste would be allocated to the following priorities for the revitalization of Western North Carolina:
- Infrastructure Investment: $5 billion
o Roads and Bridges: Much of Western North Carolina’s transportation infrastructure is outdated or in poor condition. Funds would go toward repairing and upgrading roads and bridges to improve travel safety and ease congestion.
o Starlink Internet Expansion: Many rural areas in Western North Carolina lack reliable internet access, which limits economic opportunities, education, and healthcare. Partnering with Starlink, the satellite internet service created by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, would provide high-speed internet to underserved areas, helping bridge the digital divide.
o Utilities and Energy: Funds would also go toward upgrading utility systems and energy grids to support both local industry and residential needs. - Economic Development and Job Creation: $3 billion
o Small Business Grants and Loans: Support local entrepreneurs and small businesses, which are the backbone of many communities in the region. Funds would provide grants and low-interest loans to help businesses expand and hire workers.
o Workforce Development: Partner with local schools, colleges, and businesses to provide job training and apprenticeships, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and healthcare.
o Tourism and Agriculture: Western North Carolina is a major tourist destination, and its agricultural industry remains an important part of the economy. Funds would help promote tourism, enhance marketing, and support local farmers. - Disaster Recovery and Resilience: $2 billion
o Home and Business Rebuilding: Support disaster recovery efforts, providing grants and loans for rebuilding homes and businesses that were impacted by flooding, wildfires, and other disasters.
o Public Infrastructure: Assist local governments in rebuilding public infrastructure, including schools, healthcare facilities, and government buildings, which are critical for community stability and growth.
o Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness: Invest in flood control systems, wildfire prevention, and other measures to reduce the impact of future disasters, making Western North Carolina more resilient to environmental challenges.
Expected Outcomes
Redirecting these funds will have measurable and lasting benefits for Western North Carolina:
• Economic Growth: Enhanced infrastructure will make the region more attractive for business investment and tourism, while workforce development will create jobs and provide residents with the skills needed to succeed in a modern economy.
• Improved Quality of Life: Improved roads, Starlink internet, and utilities will raise the standard of living for residents, particularly in underserved rural areas.
• Stronger Communities: Rebuilding efforts will help restore communities devastated by natural disasters, and increased job opportunities will empower local residents.
• Long-term Resilience: Investments in infrastructure and disaster mitigation will make Western North Carolina more resilient to future challenges, protecting the region for generations to come.
Conclusion
Western North Carolina has enormous potential for growth, but it needs strategic investments to realize that potential. Redirecting wasted federal funds from inefficient programs within the Department of Defense, Health and Human Services, and the Department of Veterans Affairs is a practical way to address the region’s pressing needs. By reinvesting these funds into infrastructure, economic development, and disaster recovery, we can create lasting, positive change in Western North Carolina, benefiting residents, businesses, and taxpayers alike.
We urge Congress and the relevant federal agencies to support this proposal and prioritize the revitalization of Western North Carolina through the responsible redirection of wasteful federal funds.