Prices for construction materials were flat in March, as plunging diesel fuel and metals prices offset increases in items used in new housing and nonresidential building renovations, according to an analysis of new federal figures released today by AGC of America. Association officials noted that contractors have kept the prices they charge to build structures level, leaving their margins vulnerable to price spikes for key inputs.

Construction employment increased in 158 out of 339 metropolitan areas between February 2012 and February 2013, declined in 132 and was stagnant in 49, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the industry's long-awaited recovery could prove fleeting if public construction spending continues to decline and a reported immigration reform deal could undermine efforts to recruit skilled workers.

Construction industry employment climbed for the tenth consecutive month in March, as the sector added 18,000 jobs and surpassed 5.8 million employees for the first time since September 2009, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned that the industry may soon experience both layoffs for some skilled trades and shortages of others, unless policy makers boost infrastructure investment and allow importation of needed workers.

Construction spending rebounded in February with gains from depressed January levels in residential, private nonresidential and public investment, according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by AGC of America. Association officials cautioned that the rise in public investment was likely to be short-lived and urged policy makers in Washington to make infrastructure investment a priority.

Construction employment expanded in 35 states in February as the industry added 48,000 jobs nationally, the largest one-month gain in nearly six years, according to an analysis by AGC of America of Labor Department data. Association officials cautioned, however, that newly enacted federal budget cuts could reverse the construction employment pickup in numerous states.

Construction employment increased in 145 out of 339 metropolitan areas between January 2012 and January 2013, declined in 141 and was stagnant in 53, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by AGC.

Population growth is a major driver of various types of construction over the medium to long term. But where the population grows also matters. Figures released by the Census Bureau on local population growth show it is happening in numerous areas that didn't have a housing boom last decade and, thus, need more construction now.

Construction employment expanded in two-thirds of all states in January as the industry showed signs of emerging from a six-year slump, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials cautioned however that the industry's recovery remains fragile and that current and looming federal budget cuts threaten to drag down construction employment in numerous states.

Prices for construction materials jumped in February, driven by extreme increases in items used in new housing and nonresidential building renovations, according to an analysis of new federal figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the increased materials prices are hitting contractors struggling to recover from a years-long downturn in construction demand.

The construction industry added 48,000 jobs in February, the ninth consecutive month of job growth for the sector, as more people are working in construction than at any point in the last three and a half years, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America.