Construction employment expanded in 37 states and the District of Columbia between July 2014 and July 2015 while only 28 states and D.C. added jobs between June and July, according to an analysis today of Labor Department data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the construction industry appears caught between divergent economic trends that help employment in some areas and hurt it in others.

Construction employment in July climbed to the highest level since February 2009, while the number of unemployed workers with construction experience shrank to a 14-year low, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned that the diminishing pool of available qualified labor may be having an impact on the industry’s ability to meet growing demand.

Construction spending in June recorded the highest year-over-year growth rate since 2006, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned, however, that those spending gains could be at risk unless all levels of government strengthen programs to develop the construction workforce.“Spending rose strongly in June from a year ago for all major construction categories—private nonresidential, residential and public,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist.

Construction employment declined in 127 metro areas, was stagnant in 51 and increased in 180 between June 2014 and June 2015, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America.  Association officials noted that the declines come as the House and Senate struggle to enact legislation to extend federal transportation investments beyond the July 31st expiration of the current program.