In this installment of the Briefing Room, AASHTO executive director John Horsley applauds President Obama for his readiness to boost infrastructure spending. Horsley urges Congress and the Administration to invest in the 9,500 ready-to-go transportation projects which were identified by states, with a potential value of $70 billion. These projects can proceed to bidding within 120 days of enactment of authorizing legislation. With the unemployment rate for construction workers at the alarming rate of 19.4 percent in November, targeting construction jobs is sure to meet an enormous need. . Horsley says 25 percent of the jobs saved or created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment (less info)