Total construction spending rose modestly for the third straight month in April as a mix of increases and declines in public and private categories showed the sector’s recovery remains fragile and fragmented, according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by AGC of America. Association officials said the industry could benefit from new federal investments in infrastructure to offset declining public sector demand.

Construction employment expanded in 220 metro areas, declined in 70 and was stagnant in 49 between April 2013 and April 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by AGC of America. Association officials noted that federal spending cutbacks on government facilities and Hurricane Sandy reconstruction were contributing to job losses around Washington, D.C. and New Jersey.

Construction firms added jobs in 39 states and the District of Columbia over the past 12 months and in 29 states and D.C. between March and April according to an analysis today by AGC of America of Labor Department data. Association officials welcomed the mostly positive figures but cautioned that the industry’s recovery remained fragile, with construction employment levels below prior peaks in every state except North Dakota.

There was more good news than bad in the employment report that the Labor Department issued on May 2. The construction industry added 32,000 workers in April, bringing seasonally adjusted employment to an even 6.0 million—the highest total since June 2009.

The unemployment rate in construction dropped to the lowest April level in seven years as contractors added 32,000 workers to payrolls in April, bringing industry employment to 6.0 million, the highest level since June 2009, according to an analysis of new government data by AGC of America. Association officials warned that it is essential to revive and expand training opportunities before the industry runs short of workers.

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.

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.

The construction industry now has an additional way of bringing government data issues to the attention of top officials. The director of the U.S. Census Bureau recently appointed me to a three-year term on the Census Scientific Advisory Committee. This 18-member panel twice a year meets for a day and a half with the director and the full leadership team of the agency, and also engages in vigorous online discussions with relevant officials.

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.