Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Friday announced that he had called an emergency meeting on immediate recommendations to speed the release of $29 billion in infrastructure bond money that has yet to be spent. “Speeding up construction of roads, schools and levee repairs will help our economy continue to grow and keep more people working,” said Schwarzenegger. As one of his first actions, the governor is pushing the state’s Finance Department to release $300 million in funding for roads, highways and corridor mobility improvements.

 The governor said the Department of Water Resources would also begin $200 million of already allocated levee projects, to help stimulate the state’s construction economy. The Employment Development Department will be extending hours of operation at all job assistance centers across the state to make it easier for displaced workers to get help finding jobs. Schwarzenegger also said he supports President Bush’s efforts to boost the national economy. "While I haven't seen the full details of the proposal, I support the President's call to stimulate the economy with tax rebates,” the governor said.