Hanford: hundreds brought in by stimulus funds
There has been no shortage of applicants for some good-paying jobs being created at the Hanford nuclear reservation with federal stimulus money.
Many of the jobs involve hazardous work -- cleaning up chemical and radioactive waste left from the production of plutonium for the nation's nuclear weapons program. But the jobs can start at $17 an hour or more, have good benefits and include paid training.
The Tri-City Herald reports that one contractor, Washington River Protection Solutions, received more than 500 applications. it interviewed nearly 100 people and picked 30 to train.
Many of the applicants say the health benefits are a big attraction for the jobs, along with the paid training in a high-demand field.