Here are the five most-requested earmarks of 2009:

Textiles Research. Eight Congressmen requested from $3.5 million to $20 million for research at the National Textile Center and/or the Textile Clothing Technology Corp.

National Guard Help. Seven Congressmen requested either $1.6 million or $2 million for family assistance centers for members of the N.C. National Guard.

Rural Business. Six Congressmen requested $750,000 for a business financing program at the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center.

Contaminated Food. Five Congressmen requested $300,000 for a database of contaminants in the state's food supply through the N.C. Department of Agriculture.

Water Audits. Five Congressmen requested $2 million for audits of water supply systems through the Rural Economic Development Center.

In all, 75 earmark requests had more than one sponsor, 25 had three or more, and nine had four or more.