WFAA-TV

Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert endorses the recovery plan outlined by his peers.

WASHINGTON — A group of mayors from across the country gathered on Capitol Hill Monday to call for more economic help for Main Street.

Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert threw his qualified support behind an economic stimulus package that would improve the city's infrastructure while putting people to work.

"What we're looking for as mayors are projects — not simply subsidizing operating budgets; I don't believe that's what should be done with these dollars," Leppert said. "If we're going to have a stimulus, they should be put into projects that create jobs — create jobs in construction, create jobs in maintenance, and that make a difference — that make cities in this nation more competitive and stronger."

Leppert noted that the Dallas economy is doing better than most other cities. That's why he wants to make sure this region is not overlooked when funding is distributed.

The mayor said he is in the process of identifying projects that are a good fit for federal funds. That list will be finalized between now and January 7.