Recovery.gov iOS app allows citizens to follow how the recovery money is spent

There’s a new mobile app for the iPhone and iPad users, allow them to access maps and data on projects funded by the $787 billion Recovery Act. The application was a result of co-operation between the Board, a GIS mapping software company Esri and a Recovery Board contractor Smartronix.

Using the app, you can access such information as award amounts, the name of the program under which a project is funded, the recipient, and the purpose of the project. Moreover, if you see an indication of fraud, waste and abuse – there’s an option to report that information from within the app, which is cool.

Love the idea but I can’t understand why it’s an iOS thing, only. Sure Apple is a darling of the street these days, but Recovery.gov should be a service accessible by all U.S. citizens. In that sense, it would be better if they used some cross-platform development tool to make sure their mobile app reaches more users.

For the record, Congress approved the Recovery Act in February 2009. The program funds contracts, grants and loans along with entitlements and tax benefits…