The Birmingham News reported state transportation officials have told the state’s congressional delegation that Alabama could have 16 major highway projects worth $877 million ready for construction within 90 days if a proposed economic stimulus package is approved.

Among the projects on the list are supposedly a bypass on Highway 43 in Linden that includes an extension of Alabama Highway 69.

President-elect Barack Obama has proposed a serious investment in infrastructure as part of his $1 trillion economic stimulus package.

Nationwide, more than 5,000 highway projects are ready to go if Congress ponies up $64.3 billion as part of the stimulus plan, according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

As the economy continues to struggle, new road development could be just the thing to trigger a turnaround.

Growth breeds more growth and before you know it, things get turned around.

We strongly urge Congress to release the funds to people who have spent the past year bailing out failing business and struggling homeowners.