The Inevitable Backlash and Cost Realities of Public Works Projects

The question arises whether the backlash and narrative would have been different if the cost increases were announced earlier or more gradually, or if the promises were less forceful. However, it is likely that if people had known from the start how expensive the project was going to be, it probably wouldn't have happened. Being transparent and realistic about cost is always challenging, which is why public works projects often go through a cycle of promise, backlash, optimism, and outrage. The key is to set a realistic and acceptable cost that everyone can live with, hoping it won't deviate too much when the bill arrives.