The economic stimulus package being debated by Congress would funnel at least $317 million into Maine for construction projects that would support 7,680 jobs, a construction trade group official said today.

"These investments will lay a foundation for long-term economic growth that will benefit the state for generations to come," said John O'Dea, chief executive officer of the Maine chapter of Associated General Contractors of America.

O'Dea made the announcement after visiting the site of a planned $66 million terminal expansion at the Portland International Jetport.

He said the stimulus would create 3,830 jobs in construction or related fields, which would support another 3,850 jobs elsewhere in the economy as construction workers spent money on new goods and services.

O'Dea said the projects were needed because the slowing economy delayed transportation and construction projects across the state. As a result, he said, over 3,200 construction workers have lost their jobs in the past year, 10 percent of the state's construction work force.

Putting that many people back to work would increase personal earning levels statewide by $220 million while boosting Maine's gross state product by over $670 million, O'Dea added.

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