In Michigan, the unemployment rate is 9.3 percent – almost three times what it was in 2000. Can new green and infrastructure employment opportunities put these people back to work? What is more, are these jobs that they can quickly transition into?

Nationwide there are more than 550 transit projects valued at $8 billion that are "ready to go" as soon as funding is made available. Countless other infrastructure projects remain stalled throughout the country as the funds are simply not there to begin building. If these projects are to stimulate the economy, as President-elect Obama has said, where will the money to start these projects come from as many states face billion dollar budget shortfalls?

Some pundits suggest Rep. James Oberstar (D., MN), Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, could be near the top of the list for Transportation Secretary in the Obama administration.

President-Elect Barack Obama may spend on highways and bridges to stimulate the U.S. Economy.

America's crumbling infrastructure will pose significant problems for the next president. Blueprint America correspondent Rick Karr interviews advisors of both campaigns on how a President McCain or a President Obama would address four major infrastructure issues: roads versus rail; the fraying electrical grid; poor internet service; and whether or not the federal government should invest heavily in infrastructure as part of an economic stimulus package.

Whoever moves into the Oval Office come January will have to work with Congress on a new federal transportation bill. In the first segment of a four part Blueprint America radio series, a report on Barack Obama and John McCain's sharply different positions on what kind of transportation the country needs.

Americans take the electrical supply for granted. But the Grid - the system that transmits electricity to homes and offices - is aging and prone to serious glitches. In the second segment of a four part Blueprint America radio series, a report on how Barack Obama and John McCain say they will keep the lights on.

International studies have argued that Americans pay more than Europeans and Asians for significantly worse internet service. In the third segment of a four part Blueprint America radio series, a report on where John McCain and Barack Obama stand on bringing the country's Internet service up to speed.

The collapse of the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis in 2007 sparked a debate on how best to rebuild America's decaying infrastructure. Where do the presidential candidates stand? In the last segment of a four part Blueprint America radio series, a report on how the country may be able to reinforce its economy and infrastructure at the same time.