Shovel ready is the key when it comes to spending stimulus spending and jobs.
States are quickly assembling their construction wish lists. But it takes time to advertise for contractors, collect bids, check the numbers, pick a winner and get work underway.
A typical paving project - easy roadwork - takes close to three months from the time the money is approved to the arrival of work boots on the ground, according to the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials.
"It is not an instant process," says a spokesman.
President Obama and Vice President Biden know their unprecedented $787 billion emergency spending package has to put hard hats on America's streets soon - or their administration risks losing credibility.