West Virginia’s stimulus recovery Web site went live on Monday and itemizes how the state expects to spend its $1.8 billion in federal aid.
The state will use its portion of the stimulus aid from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act “to do everything possible to save and create jobs,” Gov. Joe Manchin 3d said in a statement on the site.
Despite the recession, now in its 15th month, West Virginia’s unemployment rate remains relatively low — just 6.9% in March and below the national average of 8.5%.
The Department of Health and Human Services will receive the most funds among state departments — $611.5 million. The largest chunk of them will provide $365.5 million for Medicaid relief.
The Department of Transportation will spend $231.6 million in stimulus aid on at least 99 construction projects listed on the site. The Department of Education will receive $168.5 million for education stabilization and upgrades.
The Web site is
Manchin announced earlier this month that he would wait until May, after state taxes have been collected, to revise revenue projections for fiscal 2010 and adjust the state budget. He has also asked state departments to freeze new employee hiring.
West Virginia could face an $80 million budget deficit in fiscal 2010, according to the Center on Budget Policy and Priorities in Washington. The state’s fiscal year starts July 1.
