North Dakota's share of federal stimulus money has helped about 624 people get a job or keep the one they already have. A new state report says many of the jobs have gone to hire about 200 teachers and aides who work with children who are poor or have learning disabilities.
The Legislature agreed to spend $571 million in stimulus funds over two years. State budget director Pam Sharp says not all the money has been spent. About $170 million is going for road construction and repairs. About $25 million is going to weatherize homes. Some is being used for new buildings at the University of North Dakota and Minot State University. About $12 million will finance construction of a water treatment plant north of Zap, in Mercer County in western North Dakota. It will serve part of a new pipeline system.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
