The numbers of employed construction workers grew in most metropolitan areas during the past year, according to figures from the Associated General Contractors of America.
Construction employment grew in 215 metro areas between June 2013 and June 2014, declined in 80 and was flat in 44 others, the group said, citing its analysis federal employment figures.
“Contractors have been expanding their work force in about two-thirds of the country for several months in a row,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Some metro areas are adding workers at a strong clip, but the gains remain modest and sporadic in many localities.”
The uncertainty over federal funding for many infrastructure projects is likely hamper future growth if it isn’t resolved by Congress, said AGC CEO Stephen E. Sandherr.
“Even as the overall economy continues to recover, many firms that work on federally funded projects are having a hard time making hiring, equipment purchasing and expansion plans,” he said. “It is hard to make sound business decisions when you don’t know how much work will be available in the near future.”
The full report is available here.