Mass. ranked 4th in federal stimulus spending

BOSTON -- Massachusetts is ranked fourth in the nation when it comes to spending federal stimulus money.

State officials overseeing the stimulus program in Massachusetts said the state has been awarded $3.3 billion in federal funds and has already spent about $1.5 billion on transportation, clean energy, health and human services and education.

The money has also been used to stave off even deeper budget cuts, although state lawmakers, including Senate President Therese Murray, have warned that next year's budget deliberations could be even tougher as stimulus funding dries up.

Also Thursday, Gov. Deval Patrick announced 75 communities will receive $40 million in federal community development grants -- including $9 million in stimulus funds.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)