Colorado's share of the stimulus: the state is expected to receive more than $3.5 billion in funding, benefits and services.

• Author: McIntosh, Carolyn
• Position: PLANET-PROFIT REPORT

President Obama signed the stimulus bill in February at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, returning to the state where he accepted the Democratic nomination for president.

That Obama has borrowed the "New Energy Economy" phrase first championed by Gov. Bill Ritter and that Colorado supported Obama in the general election likely influenced the president's decision to sign the bill into law here. But will this help direct stimulus funding to the state?

Colorado is expected to receive almost $3.5 billion in direct funding, benefits and services from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (excluding tax relief for individuals and businesses, certain federal appropriations or competitive grants). Including the federal agency funding to research labs and locations in Colorado, the state could receive more than $7 billion.

For example, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden will receive $110 million in federal stimulus money for equipment and new facilities and could apply to the Department of Energy for an additional $83 million for wind-energy research.

Of the $3.5 billion in direct funding, the following are the largest categories of distributions for the state:

Education: nearly $760 million, with the potential for an additional $500 million based upon competitive grants.

Medical: A variety of services will see increased funding totaling nearly $830 million.

Transportation: more than $500 million.

Energy: At least $175 million will support weatherization, energy efficiency grants and distributions through the State Energy Program, in addition to funding received by Colorado companies through separate applications and loan guarantees.

Broadband: Colorado will compete for its share of $7.2 billion in grant funding to improve our broadband infrastructure.

Rural areas: Farmers, ranchers and home-buyers will receive about $81.5 million.

Unemployment: All claimants eligible for and currently receiving unemployment benefits payments will receive expanded benefits.

Education

Over the next three school years, Colorado will receive approximately $760 million through the stimulus bill that will fill some of the budget shortfall from declining revenues and meet increasing demand for derives in schools.

More than $621 million must be sent on K.-12, post-secondary or early childhood education. The remaining $ 138 million is allocated for budget stabilization and discretionary spending. Competitive grants worth $4.35 billion are expected to be divided among...