CAWP Legislative News 2-10

List of "Ready-to-Go" Projects Grows to 9,800 as States Await Jobs Bill

As states await action on a jobs bill, the list of 'ready-to-go' state infrastructure projects has surpassed the 9,800 mark. These projects, valued at more than $79 billion, will give state departments of transportation the resources necessary to put hundreds of thousands of people back to work, on projects that will improve travel and boost the economy.

In 2009, the transportation sector received just six percent of economic recovery funds, yet spending on state highway, bridge, transit, port, rail, and aviation projects has accounted so far for more than 24 percent of the jobs created. According to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, at least 250,000 direct, on-projects jobs, as well as hundreds of thousands of indirect jobs, were the result of 7,900 highway and transit projects that have broken ground across the country.

"Since we first released our survey back in December 2009, states have identified 300 additional 'ready-to-go' projects that can be approved for funding within 120 days," said John Horsley, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). "States continue to turn recovery dollars into real jobs and paychecks."

PENNSYLVANIA: According to the report, Pennsylvania has 303 'ready-to-go' state infrastructure projects worth an estimated total value of $1,226 million.

"This survey illustrates the growing need for a significant investment in transportation infrastructure projects," Horsley said. "The benefits are guaranteed and long lasting. Instead of the unemployment line, we'll give hundreds of thousands of Americans the lifeline they need to stay in their homes, pay taxes, and rebuild our economy."

Source: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)