Stimulus Money Comes to Central Minnesota

The Brainerd Lakes area will benefit a little from the federal stimulus package. Governor Tim Pawlenty says 60 state highway projects are slated to begin construction in Greater Minnesota as early as this spring, valued at $180 million.
Highway 10 between Wadena to Staples will undergo an overlay.
Contractors for the first round of projects will be selected March 13, with work to begin in May. The Federal Highway Administration estimates that the Greater Minnesota transportation projects will create approximately 5,000 jobs.
District 3 Transportation Engineer said the goal is to ensure that their share of the federal stimulus funds is used efficiently and effectively.
Minnesota is expected to receive more than $596 million for state and local highway and transit projects over the next two years as a result of the federal legislation.