Report: Road projects could spur 1.8 million jobs

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Source: CNN

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- America's roads and bridges need critical repairs that would total $64 billion, and construction could begin within six months if the federal government makes the funds available, according to a new report.
This bridge column in Pennsylvania was fixed this year. Interstate 95 was closed during the repairs.

The report, by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, surveyed all 50 states and found 5,148 road and bridge projects that are considered "ready to go."

"As Congress and the president-elect look at the issue of, can infrastructure play a major role in economy recovery, the first question they ask is, 'Can you deliver projects -- shovels in the ground -- quickly?' And what we've documented through the survey we've just completed is that yes indeed, we can," John Horsley, executive director of the American Association of State, Highway and Transportation Officials, told CNN.

The association estimates 1.8 million new jobs could be created if the infrastructure improvements are funded by Congress.

"You've got states in every part of the country with projects that are ready to go that can put people back to work," Horsley said.

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/12/08/road.projects/