The man tapped to lead North Carolina's Economic Recovery Office reminded lawmakers a big part of the stimulus package is to stabilize state government and maintain jobs.

Dempsey Benton says much of the job growth will be in construction.

The Department Of Transportation will allocate $460 million worth of project within the next two months.

Water and sewer improvements add up to nearly $60 million dollars. "These will be jobs, jobs people don't have right now," said Benton.

Benton said $80 million will go to rennovate public housing helping plumbers and electricians find work.

But the federal pacakge comes at a cost too.

Tax breaks will cost the state revenue; $215 million this year, 370 million next year, according to Barry Boardman from the state's Fiscal Research Division.

Senator David Hoyle question just how stimulative the funding really is.  "We need some jobs and swe need some jobs right now. I think it's going to be months and months before we see any money in the system other than transportation," said Senator Hoyle.

On the house side, Represdentative Jennifer Weiss told us, "This is part of the solution. This is money that is going to help get economy moving again, but it is not the panacea, the complete answer.  It's going to be a long, deep recession, " said Rep. Weiss.

To watch our story on NBC 17 News at 7, click on the video box above.