51.   As with cities vying to host the Olympic Games, you plan ahead when a half-billion dollars in tourist revenues are on the line.

52.   Assume for a moment that currency analysts and traders are right in thinking the dollar is poised to rise against most major currencies in coming months.

53.   At its high, the dollar was stronger than anytime in the last six days.

54.   Barring Federal Reserve interest rate increases, analysts expect the dollar to be steady through the year, until stronger world growth once again boosts commodities.

55.   Barring decisive news like that, the dollar is likely to seesaw back and forth in a narrow range, before resuming a small move higher.

56.   Because much of the money comes from the state general fund, the dollars are at risk until projects are actually ready to begin.

57.   Because a dollar today is worth more than a dollar in the future, the states get only a fraction of the total money they would ordinarily receive.

58.   Because the earliest saved dollars are those which should provide the greatest long-term growth.

59.   Big dollars are involved.

60.   Beyond the specific numbers, the dollar is important right now because of timing.