In the employment of laborers in the construction of public works, including state highways, or an assisted project by the State or by persons contracting for the construction, preference must first be given to citizens of the State who are qualified to perform the work to which the employment relates and, if they can not be obtained in sufficient numbers, then to citizens of the United States. Every contract for public works construction or an assisted project must contain a provision for employing citizens of this State or the United States. The hourly wage and benefit rate paid to laborers employed in the construction of public works, including state highways, may not be less than the fair minimum rate as determined in accordance with section 1308. Any contractor who knowingly and willfully violates this section is subject to a fine of not less than $250 per employee violation. Each day that any contractor employs a laborer at less than the wage and benefit minimum stipulated in this section constitutes a separate violation of this section.   [PL 2021, c. 705, §1 (AMD).]