Wages for project labor may be paid by the commissioner out of repairs and betterments money if the individual is to be engaged in a construction project or a repair project of short-term and nonrecurring nature. Compensation for project labor shall be based on the prevailing wage rates, as defined in section 177.42, subdivision 6. Project laborers are excluded from the provisions of sections 43A.22 to 43A.30, and shall not be eligible for state-paid insurance and benefits.