Officials Worry Stimulus Restrictions Could Limit Job Creation

Massachusetts officials worry the federal stimulus plan won't create as many local jobs as hoped because of restrictions on what transportation projects qualify for the money.

Under federal rules, only projects already on a list the state submits to the federal government annually are eligible for $800 million in federal money.

The Boston Globe reports many of those projects are small scale, such as paving roads or fixing sidewalks.

State officials had hoped the money could go to larger projects and transit upgrades that could then spur the development of homes and retail space.