DENVER -- The state of Colorado is getting a bigger chunk of federal funding than previously expected.

The Colorado Economic Recovery Accountability Board estimated the state will receive $5.5 billion over the next three years in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. Colorado was originally allocated $3 billion.

The $5.5 billion figure includes actual money coming to the state as well as anticipated tax cuts. That tally could grow as well since the figure does not include competitive grants. Competitive grants are funds that organizations and departments must apply for, with the most deserving or best proposal being awarded the money.

Vice President Joseph Biden said during a press conference on Thursday morning in Washington D.C. that the Obama administration met or exceeded 10 of its goals by the 200th day -- Thursday.

The White House also released revised figures of ARRA funds and its effects for Colorado. However, the numbers provided by the federal government and the numbers provided by the state differ.

The White House stated Colorado has received more than $234 million in stimulus money. The number released by the state government a couple of weeks ago to the Legislative Audit Committee was that $819 million in stimulus money was already allocated or spent.

Myung Oak Kim, spokeswoman of the Colorado Economic Recovery Accountability Board, said the federal government uses its own formula to come up with its figures. Also, Kim said the list is only a partial one of projects the Obama administration wanted to highlight.

State Fails ARRA Requirements

Kim also said the state will not meet requirements attached to some of the stimulus funds. Colorado received $138 million in budget stabilization funds. The money was to be used to cover any budget shortfalls at the governor's discretion.

Colorado was required to maintain the same level of spending prior to the money coming in. Kim said the state won't meet that requirement because of Colorado's budget situation. Instead Colorado is applying for a special waiver, requesting the federal government to discard that attachment.

"We are by no means the only state doing this," Kim said. "We aren't asking for more money, but we are telling them, 'Hey we cannot maintain the funding that existed because of our budget problems.'"

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter on Saturday issued an executive order telling state agencies to cut up to $320 million by the end of June 2010. The cuts were ordered because of declining revenue.

Most Transportation Projects Awarded

The Colorado Department of Transportation released a revised listing of highway and road improvement projects. CDOT said 31 projects have begun construction or are about to get under way. Another 20 have already been advertised as part of the bidding process. The projects already under construction are more than $293 million in work.

CDOT is expected to be awarded $329 million in ARRA funds to complete projects. It estimates it has created or retained over 1,600 jobs with the projects.