Politics / Obama administration Obama Pushes 'Shovel Ready' Projects for Stimulus $150 billion in plans ready to go across US By Jim O'Neill, Newser Staff Posted Feb 9, 2009 2:06 PM CST Copied The first cars cross the new Jewfish Creek Bridge on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway in Key Largo, Fla., after dedication ceremonies Thursday, May 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Florida Keys News Bureau, Andy Newman) The US has 19,000 public projects ready to go, with the potential to infuse $150 billion into the economy and put thousands of people to work, NPR reports. President Obama is pushing for immediate approval of the $700 billion economic stimulus bill to start paying for the work, but critics are urging a slower process to fully vet projects. story continues belowRelax In StyleBreezy chambray, intricate embroidery, and luxurious silk come together in our latest resort arrivals, perfect for sun-filled escapes and dreamy getaways.Johnny WasShop NowUndoPeople in Columbus are Loving Martha Stewart's Meal KitMartha Stewart & Marley Spoon Undo"BlazePod Helped My Athlete React Faster and Play Smarter!"BlazePod is a smart training platform that uses flashing lights to help young athletes improve their coordination, agility, and reaction timeBlazePodShop NowUndo “We need to make sure that these investments are made wisely and that we don't have to sacrifice speed in order to get smart investments," says Brookings Institution transportation analyst Robert Puentes. Those investments, he says, should weigh long-term infrastructure improvements against short-term employment gains, as well as consider environmental and energy concerns. (More Obama administration stories.) Report an error