The Energy Department projects that $2 billion from the federal stimulus package will create 4,400 jobs at the Hanford nuclear reservation in Washington State.

The Energy Department projects that $2 billion from the federal stimulus package will create 4,400 jobs at Hanford. The Hanford Atomic Metal Trades Council plans to start hiring about 1,000 workers as soon as April.

The new money will help shrink the contaminated area to 75 square miles of the 586-square mile reservation.

The Tri-City Herald reports the stimulus money also will support energy research at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.