Yes, she did keep the money because once the US Government authorizes that expense as a bit of pork in a much larger bill, they cannot take it back.
So, that's why lobbyists are so valuable and always collect their fees. It's because once the money is in your hands, you have to spend it. If you don't want Pork, then don't hire a lobbyist.
True, sometimes the US Govt will audit that expense, but they don't take back the money.
So, Palin wanted the pork. All of Alaska wanted that pork--the state thrives on being a welfare state--soaking it to us through tarifs on oil.
Get an electric car and flip a bird up north.