"In contrast to the broad gains in most construction segments, employment in public works construction has been flat or falling," Simonson says. These counts, which lag the overall industry totals by one month, show a drop of 3,500 employees in

Revised government data issued last month show the construction industry is contributing substantially to economic and employment growth, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials note that

Construction spending dipped from October to November, but resolution of the uncertainty regarding federal taxes for 2013 should unleash more private construction investment, according to an analysis of new federal data released this month by the a

The cost of key construction materials increased in August and in a year-to-year comparison, resuming a trend that has forced contractors to pay more for materials even as competitive pressures restrain prices for finished projects, says an of this

The cost of construction materials took a breather in April, while contractors showed slightly greater ability to roll past price increases into their bids, says an analysis of producer price index figures released this month by the Associated of a

Construction employment remained on a seesaw in April as only 19 states added jobs, 28 states and the District of Columbia had declines, and three states maintained March employment levels, according to an analysis by the Associated General of of a

Construction employment increased in December by 17,000 workers, driven by gains in nonresidential construction employment, says an analysis of federal employment data released earlier this month by the Associated General Contractors of America. of