Designed to save or create 3.5 million jobs, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, H.R. 1.

After intense negotiations, the final cost of the stimulus package is $787 billion, down significantly from the Senate's $838 billion and the House's $819 billion versions.

According to Stephen Sandherr, chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), this stimulus will create opportunities for unemployed construction workers and struggling businesses. "Builders are ready to lead the economic recovery," says Sandherr.

"In just a few short weeks President Obama and Congress have created real and meaningful opportunities for unemployed workers and struggling businesses that will counter the effects of the economic downturn," says Sandherr. "They understand that significant investments in infrastructure and construction projects can play a vital role in our economic recovery. Millions of construction workers and tens of thousands of construction companies are now ready to lead the way in proving them right."

According to the American Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), below are a few highlights of the stimulus package: