US construction employment expanded in 249 metro areas, declined in 56 and was stagnant in 53 between March 2014 and March 2015, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released Wednesday by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America. Association officials said the new data comes as many firms remain worried about tightening labor markets and declining public-sector investments in infrastructure and other projects.
“Many firms are caught between trying to cope with labor shortages while also wondering whether Washington will figure out how to pay for needed infrastructure reforms,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Even as construction demand is likely to continue growing, there is plenty for most firms to worry about during the coming months.”
Association officials said that while the outlook for the construction industry remains positive for the rest of the year, labor shortages and federal infrastructure funding shortfalls remain worrisome for many firms. They continued to urge federal officials to act on measures outlined in the association’s Workforce Development Plan. They also urged motorists to take pictures of poor road conditions and bad traffic and tweet those images using the hashtag #DriveBetterRoads to help push for more federal infrastructure funding.
“While it is good to see the industry expanding in many parts of the country, many firms still have plenty of challenges to cope with,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Getting Congress to fund needed infrastructure investments and make it easier for firms and school districts to set up construction training programs would certainly help the industry.”