OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Vice President Joe Biden was in Overland Park Thursday afternoon to kick off a road work project.

Biden attended a groundbreaking for the $82 million reconstruction of a stretch of U.S. Highway 69.

He said the stimulus project will employ nearly 2,500 workers over the next few years.

Biden also said the work will create or save thousands more jobs at nearby businesses. He said the recovery dollars are keeping Kansas officials from having to lay off teachers and other public workers to make ends meet.

The trip is part of a two-day swing highlighting construction projects undertaken with the help of the federal funds.