An economic stimulus package is coming, and President-elect Barack Obama has made it clear that infrastructure will be part of it. Obama is not saying how large the plan or its public-works share will be but anxious state and industry officials are assembling lists of projects they would like the stimulus to fund, hoping the password to get those projects included is “ready to go.”

Infrastructure advocates’ eyes lit up on Dec. 6 when Obama in a radio address discussed the need for an “economic recovery plan” and outlined some of the elements he wants to see in it. They include major programs to improve highways, repair schools and upgrade public buildings’ energy efficiency.