“This country is experiencing one of the worst jobs crisis since the Great Depression and those seeking work outnumber available jobs by more than four to one,” said Dunn. “Elected officials at the local, state and federal levels have the tools and power to help business invest, create jobs, and bring our economy out of this recession.”

In Orange County, the Measure M2 half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements is advancing more than $200 million in projects into construction in the next 12 months, which is estimated to create 4,600 jobs. These projects include the following:

• Orange Freeway (SR-57) northbound widening project from Katella Avenue to Lincoln Avenue
• Placentia and Kramer grade separation projects
• Signal synchronization
• Metrolink track improvements

“In these tough economic times, it has never been more important to turn our attention to infrastructure projects to help get our country back to work and keep us moving forward to a better tomorrow,” said OCTA CEO Will Kempton. “Thanks to our voters in Orange County, we are helping reverse the unemployment numbers in the county by investing millions of dollars in transportation improvements.”

During the summitt, construction workers gave testimonials of their personal challenges trying to find a job in today’s economy and how America’s investment in transportation has personally given them work.

Suzzane Leonard, a construction worker on the West County Connectors project, spoke about being unemployed for two years before finding a job as a grade checker with Atkinson Construction.

“Being unemployed is a tough struggle,” said Leonard. “I’ve been working temporary jobs here and there just to get by. I’ve been turned down day in and day out simply because there aren’t enough jobs to go around. But thanks to the West County Connectors project I found a job that I really enjoy and a job that I can see myself growing and learning more from every day so I can work on other jobs after this one is completed.”

To view of video of the Aug. 31 event, visit www.youtube.com/goocta