Senator Kay Hagan says she's optimistic about the economy in North Carolina and explained she believes the recent federal stimulus package has had a lot to do with the economic turnaround. Hagan said she believes the stimulus plan is working and in total, North Carolina will receive $8.6 billion targeted for transportation, infrastructure, economic development, education, law enforcement, healthcare projects, and other grants with the specific purpose to create and retain jobs. Hagan also said she is very optimistic about new ventures into green energy, especially here in the High Country. There are jobs that are going to have to be local and will not be outsourced. As we move to decrease our dependency on foreign oil, the alternative energy sector is a very important factor, and North Carolina will be well-positioned in that area."