Federal recovery money is now approaching $8 billion for North Carolina, according to state recovery fund manager Dempsey Benton.

The original formula-based distribution adds up to $6.1 billion.

Benton says now that federal agencies are directly appropriating money, the fund keeps on growing.

For example, the Department Of Defense allocated $160 million for North Carolina military bases.

Homeland Security will funnel $36 million to the U.S. Coast Guard station in Elizabeth City.

Gov. Bev Perdue described the Recovery & Reinvestment Act as "the gift that keeps on giving."

Some lawmakers have expressed concerns about a lack of clarity when using the money and co-mingling funds.

The governor said the federal money must remain separate from state money, so they'll be separate spending plans to track.

Later this week, $70 million in recovery funds will be announced for water and sewer projects.

Benton said things are beginning to happen.  He cited the Food Stamp program as one example with $15 million more in funding.

To hear more, click on the video above.