The $3.1 billion of federal stimulus funds awarded to Arkansas created a total of 4,230 full-time jobs through June 30, according to a status report last week to a legislative joint committee that oversees the state's federal stimulus spending.
The report from the Department of Finance and Administration said the state has spent 85% of the money it was allocated under the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Arkansas received $3.11 billion from the stimulus effort and has spent $2.65 billion. The report said expenditures in the second quarter of 2011 totaled $136.2 million.
"In total, ARRA programs overseen by state government created the equivalent of 2,903 full-time jobs during the three months ending March 31, 2011," the report said.
Health and human services received more than $1 billion of stimulus money, and expenditures for the 37 programs funded by the effort total $750 million so far.
The Arkansas Department of Highways and Transportation has spent $227.1 million of its $331.9 million in stimulus funds. A spokesman said each $1 million spent on road construction supports 30 to 35 full-time jobs.
Arkansas received $820 million for emergency unemployment benefits created by the stimulus act, and has spent $807.7 million of the funding. A phase-out of the emergency program will begin in January 2012.
