Construction employment increased in 39 states over the past 12 months, the most widespread gains since April 2012, according to an analysis today by AGC of America of Labor Department data. Association officials said action on needed infrastructure investments for water and transportation projects would help support continued employment growth for the industry.

Construction employment hit a 50-month high as employers added 11,000 jobs in October, the fifth consecutive month of sector job gains, and the industry unemployment rate fell to 9 percent, according to an analysis of new government data by AGC of America.

Construction employment rose by 20,000 in September and the industry’s unemployment rate fell to a six-year low of 8.5 percent, while construction spending increased for the fifth consecutive month in August, according to an analysis of new government data by AGC of America.

The House and Senate were unable find compromise and pass a continuing resolution (CR) by last night’s 12:00 a.m. deadline. Congress failed to enact any of the twelve appropriations bills that annually are necessary to fund government functions. Therefore, as of today, the federal government has been shutdown, furloughing about 800,000 federal workers and suspending most non-essential federal programs and services. For direct federal construction contracts, the vast majority of ongoing and already awarded contracts are not impacted by the shutdown. However, pending solicitations and awards, including task orders for existing multiple award contracts, will be delayed until the shutdown is over. In addition, agency action on permitting and project management decisions will likely face delays.

Total construction spending hit an unknown level in August because the Census Bureau was unable to release new data as a result of the federal government shutdown according to AGC of America. Association officials cautioned that the impacts of the shutdown will go beyond data as solicitations for many new construction projects come to a halt.

Construction employment expanded in 194 metro areas, declined in 88 and was stagnant in 57 between August 2012 and August 2013, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by AGC of America. Association officials added that despite the widespread gains, construction employment reached peak levels for August in only 19 of 339 metro areas.

Construction employment increased in 26 between July and August and in 35 states for the year, according to an analysis by AGC of America of Labor Department data. Association officials cautioned, however, that construction employment remains below peak levels in most states and warned of the potential impact of a halt in federal construction investments.

Construction employment stagnated in August, while the industry unemployment rate fell and a majority of companies reported difficulty finding workers, according to an analysis of new government data and an industry survey by AGC of America. Association officials called for education and immigration reform measures needed to ensure an adequate supply of skilled workers.

Nationwide Survey Finds Most Firms Worry There Are Not Enough Craft Workers Available to Meet Growing Demand for Construction as Officials Call for Immigration and Education Reform to Help Seventy-four percent of construction firms across the country report they are having trouble finding qualified craft workers to fill key spots amid concerns that labor shortages will only get worse according to the results of an industry wide survey released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials called for immigration and education reform measures to help avoid worker shortages.

Total construction spending hit a four-year high in July as private residential and nonresidential activity increased while public spending declined, according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by AGC of America. Association officials urged lawmakers in Washington to make infrastructure investment a top federal priority before funding runs out at the end of September.