Federal Economic Stimulus - Understanding Job Creation and Employment Reporting

A primary goal of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is the preservation and creation of jobs in America. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is working hard to assist in achieving this goal through the implementation of transportation projects throughout Florida.

FDOT has long recognized the connection between transportation investments and the jobs impacts and economic benefits that result from these improvements. Macroeconomic Impact Studies conducted in 2003 and 2006 have shown that transportation investments return about $5 in travel and economic benefits for every dollar invested and lead to significant job impacts.

• Direct Jobs are those jobs represented by the number of people whose work is directly billed to the project.
• Indirect Jobs represent employees working for producers of materials, equipment, and services that are used on the project.
• Induced Jobs are those jobs created when employees go out and spend their increased incomes on consumer goods and services.

ARRA Requirements - U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is required to estimate the direct, indirect and induced jobs created by ARRA transportation projects. USDOT has provided an explanation of the methodology to be used.

Jobs Data Received by FDOT - As of February 20, 2012, the Direct Jobs data received from ARRA projects by FDOT is:

• Workers Reported - 222,279
• Total Hours Worked - 12,813,252

Other FDOT Jobs Reporting Resources - The FDOT Office of Inspector General has developed:

• A brochure of General Information and Reporting
• An Employment Reporting System
• Computer-based Training on Employment Reporting

The Federal Highway Administration has estimated that every $1 billion spent on highway and bridge projects supports approximately 28,000 jobs (adjusted for non-federal matching funds). Using this estimate, the $1.347 billion available for Florida highway and bridge projects will create/save over 37,000 jobs. The more than $300 million available for transit projects, $65 million for airport projects and other transportation projects yet to be awarded by USDOT will mean even more jobs.

That's good news for both the Florida and U.S. economy!