State launches stimulus site, plans transparency site

Raleigh, N.C. — Gov. Beverly Perdue on Friday launched www.NCRecovery.gov, a guide to services of the newly created Office of Economic Recovery & Investment.

The site lets visitors track the use of the $6.1 billion in federal stimulus funds North Carolina will receive and learn about local contract and grant opportunities. People also will be able to suggest projects for funding.

"I am committed to providing the people of North Carolina with a simple-to-navigate guide that is efficient, transparent and accountable,” Perdue said in a statement. “I want the people of North Carolina to understand exactly how the money will be used to put North Carolina back to work.”

Perdue also said a Web site providing detailed information about state contracts and grants would launch by the end of March.

The NC OpenBook Initiative will increase government accountability and transparency by posting information about state spending online, she said.

The first phase will include stimulus projects, purchasing and contract awards, information technology contracts and state construction awards. The site is expected to be fully implemented in six months.

A state steering committee that oversees a fund dedicated for data integration approved $900,000 to support the transparency effort.