Microsoft is getting some serious criticism these days, following disclosures that the federal stimulus package would help pay for a bridge connecting the company's two campuses in Redmond, Wash. The 480-foot overpass is being described as a "shovel-ready" project that would ease local congestion, reports ComputerWorld. Microsoft is contributing $17.5 million of the cost and the federal government is planning on adding $11 million.

In defending the project, Redmond Mayor John Marchione told CNN: "Our traffic studies show that Microsoft traffic would be about 49 percent of the bridge, yet Microsoft is paying for about 50 percent of the bridge, so we think we are getting fair value."

Critics say the $787 billion stimulus money is supposed to be reserved for more important projects such as repairing unsafe bridges or construction that would impact a larger part of the general public.

"Let's face it. Microsoft is one of the most lucrative companies in the country," Steve Ellis, vice president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, told CNN. "They could have easily funded this out of pocket change. This is really about getting while the getting is good. Uncle Sam has a big wallet that's there for the taking, and Redmond wanted to take it--and Microsoft was happy to let them pick up that part of the tab."

For more on this controversy:
- check out this ComputerWorld.com article

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