Price spikes for several key construction materials in September threaten to push contractors out of business, according to an analysis of federal figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. The recent surge comes despite mild year-over-year changes in materials prices overall.

Construction employers added 5,000 jobs in September while the industry's unemployment rate hit 11.9 percent, according to an analysis of new federal data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned that construction employment has been relatively flat for more than a year as growing demand for residential and some commercial projects has been offset by declining public sector construction activity.

Construction employment declined in 164 out of 337 metropolitan areas between August 2011 and August 2012, increased in 130 and was stagnant in 43, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America.

Construction spending declined between July and August to an annualized rate of $837 billion, but increased compared to August 2011, according to an analysis of new federal data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that growing demand for residential, lodging and education construction in particular offset drops in public construction spending.

Construction employment declined in 30 states from August 2011 to August 2012 and in 26 states in the past month, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials noted that construction employment declined in most states even as long term infrastructure programs and tax measures languish.

A series of changes California officials made to their off-road diesel emissions rule, after the Associated General Contractors of America discovered significant errors in the measure, will save construction employers as much as $9 billion. Association officials outlined the changes and their potential impacts during a federal hearing today on whether California can start enforcing the revised measure in 2014.

The Associated General Contractors of America will continue to provide fall protection safety training next year thanks to a federal safety grant the association is being awarded. The association will use the $120,000 Susan Harwood Training Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to offer the fall protection safety training designed to prevent potentially fatal falls among construction workers, officials said.

The cost of key construction materials increased in August and year-to-year, resuming a trend that has forced contractors to pay more for materials even as competitive pressures restrain prices for finished projects, according to an analysis of federal figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America.

AGC will be sponsoring the Big Build at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 22, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  The event is designed for children ages 5-13 and includes fun construction-related activities, including dry wall finishing, woodworking and nail driving, as well as the opportunity to meet and talk with plumbers, architects and landscape designers. The event is free and open to the public.  A $5 donation is suggested.

Construction employers added 1,000 jobs in August while the industry’s unemployment rate fell to 11.3 percent, according to an analysis of new federal data released today by AGC.  The unemployment declines come as the construction industry continues to shrink, association officials noted, adding that over 214,000 workers have left the industry since August 2011.