Total construction spending remained in a holding pattern in March as strong gains in apartment construction and modest growth in homebuilding and private nonresidential activity offset falling public outlays, according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by AGC of America. Association officials noted that the construction spending figures may get dramatically worse unless public officials act urgently to maintain federal highway funding.

The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in response to the Obama administration's release today of proposed surface transportation legislation that would provide an estimated $302 billion for highway, bridge and transit construction over a four-year period: "The administration's proposed transportation bill should accelerate debate and action on a new highway and transit bill before the current legislation expires at the end of September.

Construction employment expanded in 197 metro areas, declined in 87 and was stagnant in 55 between March 2013 and March 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by AGC of America. Association officials noted, however, that construction employment stands to suffer if Congress allows federal highway funding to stop this summer.

Construction firms added jobs in 38 states over the past 12 months, although job gains leveled off between February and March, according to an analysis today by AGC of America of Labor Department data. Association officials said the ongoing year-over-year pickup points to the urgency of revitalizing and initiating programs to encourage workers and graduating students to get construction careers.

Construction employment expanded in 175 metro areas, declined in 106 and was stagnant in 58 between February 2013 and February 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by AGC of America. Association officials noted, however, that despite the gains construction employment remained below peak levels in all but 19 metro areas.

Forty-five percent of highway contractors had motor vehicles crash into their construction work zones during the past year, according to the results of a new highway work zone study conducted by AGC.

Construction employers added 19,000 workers to payrolls in March, bringing industry employment to the highest level since June 2009, while the industry’s unemployment rate dropped to the lowest March level in seven years, according to an analysis of new government data by AGC. 

Total construction spending in February edged up from January despite adverse weather in much of the nation, as private residential and nonresidential components posted solid growth compared with early 2013, according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by AGC of America. Association officials noted that the construction spending figures would have been stronger if not for declines in public sector construction and infrastructure investments.

Construction firms added jobs in 37 states over the past 12 months and in 30 states between January and February according to an analysis today by AGC of America of Labor Department data. Association officials said the jobs gains came even as many parts of the country experienced unusually severe winter weather, include cold and snowy conditions in the Northeast and Midwest, and warm and unusually dry conditions in much of the Southwest.

Construction employment expanded in 195 metro areas, declined in 90 and was stagnant in 54 between January 2013 and January 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by AGC of America. Association officials noted, however, that despite the gains construction employment remained below peak levels in all but 21 metro areas.