Administration has there been so much focus on the potential economic stimulus and job creation provided by transportation projects. In Oregon, we already have a strong record in delivering bridge preservation programs that stimulate the economy with well-paying and sustainable highway construction jobs.

This fall, the Oregon Department of Transportation marked a milestone as we completed the 100th bridge in a proactive 10-year program to protect Oregon bridges and stimulate our state's economy. ODOT is helping Oregon maintain its aging transportation infrastructure-and putting Oregonians to work.

In 2003, the Oregon Legislature created the $1.3 billion OTIA III State Bridge Delivery Program to repair or replace 365 highway bridges throughout Oregon. ODOT is on schedule to complete the bridge program by 2013. While other states postponed preventive maintenance or replacement of bridges built in the 1950s and '60s, Oregon invested in its transportation assets before they became even more expensive to repair.

These 100 new or renovated bridges span the state. They include the sleek span of steel girders that make up the new Hilgard Interchange Bridge on Interstate 84 near La Grande and the Green Springs Drive Bridge in Klamath Falls. Drivers in Clackamas County have no doubt noticed the newer, safer bridges on Highway 224, but motorists heading to or from La Pine will likely slip over the two bridges replaced nearby, barely noticing them from the rest of Oregon 58.

What these bridges have in common is that they were built largely by Oregon workers, employed by ODOT contractors. No matter where the work takes them, these workers hail from almost every county across the state. As of Sept. 30, 2008, the most recent date for which we have data, we calculate that so far they have brought home more than $29 million in total payroll.

But these wages benefited people beyond the iron workers and cement masons, carpenters and operating engineers. Their paychecks have a "multiplier" effect on the businesses where these workers live and work, meaning the dollars make their way through the local economy many times. In Salem, this effect can be as simple as money spent at a Roth's supermarket on groceries, or in Springfield at a Jerry's Home Improvement Center on tools and home repair supplies.

More rural areas often see an influx of spending from construction workers who come to town to work on projects. In Mitchell, construction workers shared meals at the Little Pine Cafe, and shared the wealth of infrastructure investment. In Burns, workers from out of town stayed at the Silver Spur Hotel for weeks at a time, providing business in what is usually the off-season.

These workers could afford to spend their money because heavy-highway jobs pay middle-class wages. Even the newest employees in construction, apprentice laborers, start at an average wage of nearly $14 an hour, while a journey-level equipment operator earns approximately $30 an hour. These hourly rates translate into annual wages of approximately $28,000 to $61,000 per year.

The construction workers' wages are only part of the story of economic rejuvenation provided by the bridge program. Their work in the field has been prepared for and supported by architects and accountants, surveyors and scientists, among many others, at engineering, professional services and project management firms.

As of Sept. 30, the combined contract payments for all bridge program consultants and contractors were $664 million; 75 percent of this money went to Oregon firms. The total taxes paid is nearly $45 million. The multiplier effect thus also reinvigorates the state's tax coffers, a crucial and reliable source of basic funding in hard times.

Interstate commerce, commuting and tourism in the 21st century will require a safe, seamless and up-to-date transportation network. Oregon has a head start on rebuilding the civil and mechanical underpinnings of a thriving economy. And ODOT and Oregon have the dedicated workforce to continue this important work: The men and women who are right now, even through the coldest months of winter, pouring concrete on Interstate 5 bridges near Cottage Grove will be ready, willing and highly skilled for the next phase of Oregon's investment in its future.

Matt Garrett is director of the Oregon Department of Transportation.