Mar 6, 2009 6:53 pm US/Eastern
First Of Stimulus Money Goes To Md. Construction
WHITE OAK, Md. (WJZ) ―
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Amid all the huge numbers and economic theories, stimulus money is making its way into paychecks.
Amid all the huge numbers and economic theories, stimulus money is making its way into paychecks.
Alex DeMetrick reports it's doing it first right here in Maryland.
Tim Radel has worked road construction for the past 10 years. But after being laid off in early January, he didn't expect to be back to work so soon.
"I was surprised. After being laid off, there really wasn't a lot out there," said Radel.
Resurfacing a stretch of New Hampshire Avenue in the White Oak area of Montgomery County is the first infrastructure job in the country to be paid for with federal stimulus money.
Two million dollars of the money will keep 60 people working into the fall.
The American Infrastructure Company had the contract, but Maryland didn't have the money. Limbo meant layoffs.
The stimulus law was sold by the Obama administration as a two-for. The repairing of roads, bridges and schools will put people back to work
It's still not clear if it will jump-start the economy, but it has certainly boosted spirits on New Hampshire Avenue. During the next four months, the 'help wanted' sign will be ousted by $365 million worth of Maryland construction projects.
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