It said large scale construction projects of any type require years of planning and preparation, even those that are, quote, "on the shelf" generally cannot be undertaken quickly enough to provide timely stimulus to the economy.
Ford had spent his political life in the House of Representatives, where he was known as a well-meaning, go-along, get-along type, a man good at doing legislative business but who seemingly had inadequate preparation for the vicissitudes of the executive branch, with its relentless pace and constant and merciless exposure.