The new federal 3 percent tax withholding rule will force all large municipalities, all states and all federal agencies to withhold 3 percent of every payment to every contractor until contractors finalize their tax returns for the year. 

The amount contractors pay for a range of key construction materials held steady in September but climbed 8.1 percent from the year-earlier level, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Meanwhile, the price contractors charge for new nonresidential building construction edged up only 2 to 3 percent over 12 months, depending on building type.

Construction employers added 26,000 jobs between August and September as the industry’s unemployment rate dropped to 13.3 percent, according to an analysis of new federal employment data released today by AGC.  Association officials said the increase is the first significant change in construction employment levels since February and reflects growing private sector demand for nonresidential construction projects.

Construction spending increased by 1.4 percent between July and August and was up 0.9 percent compared to August 2010, AGC reported today in an analysis of new Census Bureau data.  Association officials noted that despite this month’s increases, public sector activity has declined even as private sector demand has steadily increased this year.To read the full press release, click here.

Construction employment increased in 146 out of 337 metropolitan areas between August 2010 and August 2011, declined in 145 and stayed level in 46, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by AGC. Association officials noted that the local employment data remains relatively split as private sector demand increased and public sector activity declined more rapidly during the past year.

Construction employment at the state level was mixed for the year and month as 25 states and the District of Columbia lost jobs between July and August while 26 states and D.C. added jobs between August 2010 and August 2011, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data.  The relatively even divide between gainers and losers reflects continued weak demand for construction services that has been contributing to flat employment levels for much of the past year, association officials noted.

The amount contractors pay for a range of key construction materials declined in August, but contractors continue to be squeezed as materials cost increases have outstripped the price of finished buildings over the past year, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released today by AGC.

Construction employment showed little movement in August, dipping 5,000 below the July total but remaining 4,000 higher than a year ago, according to an analysis of new federal employment data released by AGC. Association officials said the numbers are consistent with a pattern of small gains followed by slight decreases as demand for construction remains weak.

Construction employment increased in 136 out of 337 metropolitan areas between July 2010 and July 2011, declined in 148 and stayed level in 53, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by AGC. Association officials noted that the local employment data remains mostly stagnant amid declines in publicly-funded construction activity.

According to an analysis by AGC of state employment data released by the Labor Department, construction employment increased in 26 states between July 2010 and July 2011 and during the past month.