Governor Phil Bredesen and other government officials broke ground today on one of the biggest stimulus projects in the state.

The $32 million project will complete the interstate-40 interchange with Briley Parkway and White Bridge road in Davidson County. State officials expect nearly 350 people will be hired for the project. Governor Bredesen says capital projects are the best use for the one-time federal stimulus dollars.

“They don’t have a continuing obligation that goes beyond the end of the money. You can fund them, the new project is there, the overfly, the bridge is here. And I think its a perfect use of the stimulus money.”

Other stimulus funds, like the extension of unemployment benefits required the state to change its benefit rules. The Governor and others were concerned this could cost the state money after the federal funds run out.