The Stimulus Hiring Begins

The state plans to pave a lot of roads so the paving contractors are hiring. So are the energy efficiency firms. The Belknap-Merrimack Community Action Program is getting its share of some 23 million dollars to make the homes of low income families cost less to heat. Project director Dana Nute is doubling the size of his work crews.

CUT: We’ve hired two, another is starting next week and we’re hiring two more.

Nute had his pick of workers. 300 people applied for those five jobs. Beyond hiring, Nute bought a 25-thousand dollar truck, a generator and about 900 bags of insulation. That’s good news to his suppliers and Nute is just getting started.

At a statewide workshop on the stimulus package, the governor had some strong words of caution in case anyone starts to get giddy over the bolt of cash from Washington. John Lynch reminded people that the money only lasts two years.

CUT: Don’t expect the state or the federal government for that matter to replace these funds when the stimulus funds run out and the programs run their course.

Bankers have taken note. At a panel discussion, a VP for Northway said she’ll be making sure that any equipment loans for companies doing stimulus work can be paid for well beyond that two year horizon.

Layoffs continued in the state. Next week, look for a couple of state level numbers to come out and they’ll probably point in different directions. Unemployment for March is likely to paint a grim picture. But don’t be surprised if home sales look better. First time home buyers, spurred by generous tax breaks, low interest rates and bargain prices, have been heating things up.

For NHPR News, I’m Jon Greenberg.