President-elect Barack Obama says his plans to rebuild infrastructure, modernize schools and develop alternate energy are long-term investments in the economy, not quick fixes.

Obama is using the weekly Democratic radio address to outline a plan which he says is more than just a way to pull the country out of its immediate crisis.

He envisions 2.5 million new jobs and more efficient cars.

He calls the plan "big enough to meet the challenges we face." Obama says it will jump-start job creation but also "lay the foundation for a strong and growing economy."

Obama also acknowledges growing evidence that the country is "facing an economic crisis of historic proportions."

Aides say the economic plan goes further than the president-elect has gone before.