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Stimulus funds provide jobs, experience for youths:
District 1 saves on hourly employment

District 1 is reaping unexpected benefits from a summer youth employment program sponsored by the Idaho Department of Labor. The program was made possible through the federal stimulus money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The districtis using 12 program members and another from the Working Adult program, also sponsored by the Department of Labor. Participants are paid $7.75 an hour by the Department of Labor. The department also is providing needed work supplies like boots or work clothes. District 1 provides the supervision and opportunity for these young people to understand the importance of punctuality, showing initiative, developing relationships, completing tasks and other traits important to success.

It is estimated that the program will save the district nearly $97,000 in additional hourly costs, while providing an opportunity for youthsto learn valuable work skills, according to District 1 Engineer Damon Allen.

“This is a win-win situation all around,” he said. “The district gets the much-needed manpower, and a young person has an opportunity to learn solid work habits and skills.”

Program participants are being used to augment maintenance and construction crews this summer.