Total construction spending in February edged up from January despite adverse weather in much of the nation, as private residential and nonresidential components posted solid growth compared with early 2013, according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by AGC of America. Association officials noted that the construction spending figures would have been stronger if not for declines in public sector construction and infrastructure investments.

Construction firms added jobs in 37 states over the past 12 months and in 30 states between January and February according to an analysis today by AGC of America of Labor Department data. Association officials said the jobs gains came even as many parts of the country experienced unusually severe winter weather, include cold and snowy conditions in the Northeast and Midwest, and warm and unusually dry conditions in much of the Southwest.

Last month, AGC released a new Workforce Development Plan. This plan outlines a series of measures AGC is urging national, state and local officials to adopt to make it easier for school districts, construction firms and chapters to establish training programs to help prepare future construction workers.

Construction employment expanded in 195 metro areas, declined in 90 and was stagnant in 54 between January 2013 and January 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 21 metro areas.

Construction firms added jobs in 38 states between January 2013 and January 2014, while 27 states experienced construction employment gains between December and January, according to an analysis today by AGC of America of Labor Department data. Association officials said the fact so many states added construction jobs for the year and month despite harsh winter conditions in many parts of the country is a sign that demand appears to be recovering.

The latest reports on construction employment and spending were encouraging. Industry employment climbed by 15,000, seasonally adjusted, in February to the highest level since June 2009. Spending in January hit the highest seasonally adjusted annual rate since March 2009 and rose 9.3 percent over the past year, the fastest rate of growth since May 2006.

Construction employers added 15,000 workers to payrolls in February despite harsh winter working conditions, raising industry employment to the highest level since June 2009, according to an analysis of new government data by AGC of America.  However, association officials noted that as the industry adds jobs many firms report they are already having a hard time finding skilled workers.

Total construction spending in January posted the steepest year-over-year increase since 2006, with growth in public construction as well as private residential and nonresidential spending, according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by AGC of America. 

This month, the federal government revamped a key price indicator to include construction costs for the first time. The changes make contractors’ contributions to accurate price information even more important.

Prices for materials used in construction and for nonresidential building construction both increased more than overall prices for "final demand" in January, according to a new analysis of retooled federal data on producer prices released today by AGC of America. As a result, margins remain very tight for most construction firms even as private-sector demand for construction continues to grow.