Recovery.gov Launches as Obama Signs the Stimulus

In a press release, the Obama administration said:

"Today, the White House launched www.recovery.gov -- an unprecedented step to increase transparency in government. The website features a searchable database, allowing Americans to see how and where their tax dollars are being spent. Following the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the website will include a state-by-state report on the impact of law as well a breakdown of spending in the bill by sector."

The Recovery.gov website adds:

This is your money. You have a right to know where it's going and how it's being spent. Learn what steps we're taking to ensure you can track our progress every step of the way.

Recovery.gov is designed to break down ARRA into simpler terms that relate exactly where the money is being directed. The site also includes the full text of the bill itself, and a FAQ section that answers questions such as "How can I see how much recovery money is coming to my community?," and "What type of programs will this recovery package fund?"

Recovery.gov is an amazing piece of work, and government transparency not seen before by this writer.

There's even a recovery timeline that is draggable. For emample, it shows that on March 3rd federal agencies are supposed to start reporting use of funds.

The site will be run by the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board, an oversight board of inspectors general. Until that board is operational, the administration "has coordinated a team from across Federal agencies to track Recovery Act dollars and report findings" on the Recovery.gov website.

Significantly, although not available yet, the administration plans to add the ability for data to be pulled for the creation of mashups and gadgets.