The Hawaii County Department of Research and Development will conduct a free, two-hour will hold a discussion on how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will benefit the Big Island.

The workshop will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday in the Executive Office on Aging Training Room, 1055 Kino`ole St., Hilo. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Those who would like to attend are asked to RSVP by Wednesday by calling 961-8366.

Also known as the Federal Economic Stimulus package, the ARRA is designed to boost the nation's economy and change the course for the nation. It offers new opportunities for state and local jurisdictions that are prepared to aggressively seek out funding for projects and programs that offer long-term benefits to their communities, Big Island officials said.

The County of Hawai`i is pressing ahead with projects to improve the island's infrastructure and boost local industry. The county is also seeking opportunities for partnerships with community-based organizations to encourage economic development by bringing additional stimulus dollars into the County through social service programs, according to a news release.