Between July 1981 and November 1982, the United States experienced the worst economic recession of the post-World War II period. In response, Congress in March 1983 enacted the Emergency Jobs Appropriations Act, whose objectives were: (1) to provide productive employment for jobless Americans; (2) to hasten or initiate federal projects and construction of lasting value; and (3) to provide humanitarian assistance to the indigent. The study detailed in this report reviewed all available data on the implementation of the Act from its enactment through June 1985. Methods included a review of funded projects in six geographical areas of the United States and a questionnaire survey of a random sample of projects from 10 of the 77 programs funded under the Act. It was found that, while the act was implemented quickly, it was neither effective nor timely in relieving the high unemployment caused by the recession. Funds were spent slowly and few jobs were created when most needed in the economy. The unemployed did not benefit directly and efforts to provide jobs for the unemployed were varied. Benefits other than employment were provided with the funds spent. It is concluded that a job creation program designed to alleviate unemployment effects of a recession is most effective under the following circumstances: (1) legislation is enacted as soon as possible after the recession is identified; (2) funds are spent quickly and people are hired when the economy needs new jobs the most; and (3) funds are spent before the economy recovers. Extensive appendices include statistical data on characteristics and expenditures for the 77 funded programs, explanations of methodology, and the study questionnaires. (LHW)