HILO » Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi is asking President-elect Barack Obama for nearly half a billion dollars to improve Hawaii County's infrastructure.

Kenoi's plans would build fire stations, a bridge, a hurricane shelter and roads, among other infrastructure.

Kenoi says the projects would cost $487 million and employ 3,000 people.

Obama's transition team is working with congressional Democrats on an economic aid bill that could total as much as $500 billion. They hope to have it ready for the new president to sign when he takes office Jan. 20.

The stimulus package would bankroll public works projects to create jobs, provide aid to states to help with Medicaid costs, and fund renewable energy development.