I think we would need to do a comparative study of the current programs and the depression era programs. The dam took three years to build. These small infrastructure projects take weeks or months at the most. I wonder if there is consistent employment at all? Or does one group have work for a few weeks, then another..

Even if the desired effect of insta-jump starting the economy isn't achieved, the long term effects will be positive. Investing in infrastructure is a vital part of supporting a strong economy; something we seem to have forgotten over the last several decades.

p.s. I explained what happens after the work "dries up." Ideally the economy is in a better place and better jobs are available, so the right-to-workers can take those jobs.