County Engineer Dennis McCall said hopes of receiving big federal dollars for rural roads through the proposed economic stimulus package are quickly dying.

McCall, addressing commissioners during Thursday’s workshop, said he has been told that the stimulus package currently being debated in the Senate will mean a small funding amount of approximately $300,000 for Butler County.

“I don’t need to tell you that $300,000 will only fund a very small project,” said McCall.

Last month commissioners approved several federally funded road projects in hopes the county would receive more funding when the stimulus bill is approved.

McCall said the state currently stands to receive an estimated $460 million in funds through the stimulus package, with only $20 million dedicated to rural roadways.

Only rural roads classified as major collectors with high volumes of traffic are eligible for federal funds.