NC DOT imposes hiring freeze over money worries

RALEIGH -- The North Carolina Department of Transportation has imposed a hiring freeze amid concerns over the budget and uncertainty about federal funds. A memo sent Tuesday by DOT human resources director Angela Faulk said the freeze will remain in effect until U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters determines the future of funding as impacted by the Federal Highway Trust Fund. The memo says no new positions will be posted, but positions that have already begun the hiring process will be completed. The memo also says positions will not be reallocated. Peters wants Congress to provide short-term relief by passingpending legislation that would make an additional $8 billion available for the fund, which gets its money from a federal gasoline tax. The U.S. House has already passed the measure. (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)