County officials have made plans for a nearly $600 million government campus located in Kearny Mesa, and Jerry Golliher, who installs windows for the construction project, is one of nearly 3,000 construction employees hired for the endeavor.

"I'm working and I can pay the bills," said Golliher.

The project is part of a long-term capital improvement program the county was planning prior to the economic downturn.

San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts said the county decided to move forward with the project because there was money set aside and an opportunity to create thousands of jobs.

"While others are struggling, we see so many San Diegans out of work. These are the types of things that are going to bring our local economy back and put people in jobs," said Roberts.

The project includes a new operation center, and 710,000 sq. ft. of office space and a new parking structure will replace the older buildings in need of repair.

The earthquake-resistant structures will be made of steel and will be the new offices for county departments such as Public Works and Parks and Recreation.

The county is using $215 million in cash it raised to take care of county infrastructure and $209 million is coming from lease revenue bonds.

"Given the financial turmoil we are seeing in the country today, to be able to do this is something that is incredibly important for the local economy," said Roberts.

Roberts said once the project is completed, more than 4,000 employees will be working in the buildings.

Golliher and his team hope to stay on board until all the buildings are up.

"That would mean quite a bit of work, six months of work for probably 20 to 25 guys, and right now that's a big plus," said Golliher.

The county said more office buildings and a replacement for Las Colinas Jail are planned for the future.

The county Medical Examiner's Office was completed last year, and phase 1 of the Kearny Mesa project is scheduled to be completed in 2012.