While nobody can predict the future, it appears that President-elect Barack Obama’s proposed economic stimulus package could be a very good thing for Carroll County.

In an effort to bolster a worsening American economy already reeling in recession, Obama is expected to try to pass into law an economic stimulus package that would pump an estimated $700 billion to $1 trillion into the economy. Much of those funds are expected go toward infrastructure — things such as renovating schools, deploying high-speed internet, improving roads, water and sewer, etc.

The proposed package would come at the perfect time for Carroll County as government officials continue to try to upgrade the local infrastructure as part of economic development efforts in the county.

The school board announced last week it would go ahead with its Phase III Construction Plans, which would include a new high school and a renovated Carroll County Intermediate School. Whether the plan moves forward will hinge heavily on whether or not Carroll is able to land part of the anticipated stimulus package. The school construction plan is estimated at close to $63 million, much less than the school board’s original projections of over $90 million. Many wondered how the county would ever be able to afford such an expensive endeavor, but Obama’s stimulus package could take care of that if everything falls into place.

In addition, county officials hope to be able to latch on to a share of Obama’s federal funds for planned water and sewer projects, to deploy broadband, etc.

Whether Obama’s economic stimulus package is passed and whether Carroll is approved for funding is another matter. But one thing’s for certain — Carroll wouldn’t get any part of those funds if it didn’t apply. The county should be commended for taking steps in advance to throw its hat in the ring. Hopefully it will pay off.

“There is no process to this. I think it is true there is going to be a stimulus package,” Carroll County Administrator Gary Larrowe said Friday. “I think it is untrue of how it will distributed and what it will be spent on and who decides where it will be spent. Cautiously, we are getting prepared for whichever direction this thing goes. We want it to be positive. We want to have projects going, but there is no guarantee.”