Construction employment ticks up, but overall conditions remain weak
Construction employment increased in 141 out of 337 metropolitan areas between February 2010 and February 2011.
Construction employment increased in 141 out of 337 metropolitan areas between February 2010 and February 2011, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.
The Arlington-based trade group said improved winter weather in February, combined with the benefits of ongoing stimulus and other temporary federal construction programs, helped boost numbers. “With nearly half of all U.S. metro areas finally adding construction jobs, these numbers are welcome news,” Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, said in a statement. “But warm winter weather probably played a larger role in driving these numbers up than did any change in construction demand.”
The Dallas, Texas area added more construction jobs — 7,500 jobs or an 8 percent increase from the previous year — than any other metro area. In Virginia, Northern Virginia added 5,400 jobs or an increase of 9 percent; and Richmond added 2,700 jobs, also a 9 percent increase.
In 49 metro areas, construction employment was unchanged. Others experienced job losses, including the Atlanta area, which saw the largest loss of 9,400 jobs.
Despite some job gains, association officials noted that overall construction market conditions remain weak. Construction spending hit an 11-year low over the past year as stimulus projects wound down and state, local and private demand for construction continued to shrink. Without measures to boost private-sector demand, repair aging infrastructure and cut red tape, association officials say it will be hard for the industry to continue adding jobs.
Source:www.virginiabusiness.com
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