Is stimulus helping you?

Though North Dakota is getting more than $566 million in stimulus funds, Gov. John Hoeven says it has had little impact so far. Only $9.6 million has hit North Dakota's coffers, mainly for human services and transportation.

"At this point, we haven't seen a lot of job creation," Hoeven said. "We're working to get the money out there. As the dollars come out, we hope to see more economic activity."

Though the Republican governor opposed the Obama administration's $787 billion stimulus package, he was in favor of the tax relief and infrastructure funding. The state is receiving $176 million in transportation money to put toward bridge and road repairs and construction.

Unlike most other states, North Dakota is in decent financial shape. It has the nation's lowest unemployment rate at 4.2% and is not running a budget deficit. But that doesn't mean it isn't benefiting from stimulus aid to the states.

Take education, for instance. The state is boosting school funding by $290 million for the 2009-2011 budget cycle. Just over half of that is stimulus money. But since that spigot will shut off after two years, Hoeven said he plans to use the federal funds only for one-time projects, such as upgrading schools and buying equipment.

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