Contractor advocates blame bureaucratic red tape in Washington and Albany for stalling Long Island's stimulus-funded transportation projects.

Only half a dozen transportation projects have been approved for Long Island since the stimulus act was signed. Local politicians boast the $154 million in stimulus slated for the area will be an economic booster shot. The Long Island Contractors Association has its doubts.

The group claims 40 percent of its members are unemployed during what should be the heart of construction season. They say it will be winter by the time projects on the backburner receive the green light, further delaying work.