According to the Associated General Contractors of America (AGCA), 324 of 337 metropolitan areas lost construction jobs between August of 2008 and the same month in 2009. The AGCA came to their findings after analyzing employment data made available by the federal government.
"The problems facing the construction industry aren't just devastating construction workers, they are crippling our broader economy," Stephen Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer, said. "Simply put, you can't fix our economy until you fix the construction industry."
Following general economic difficulties faced by Nevada, the Reno-Sparks area of the state notched the highest loss of construction jobs of all metropolitan areas. The area lost 35 percent of its construction workforce since August of 2008.
Only 13 metro communities saw an increase in their construction workforces. That increase amounts to 2,800 jobs, which pales in comparison to the 1 million jobs Sandherr said the country lost since last year.
However, another recent report may point to getting construction equipment moving again. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors the backlog for construction projects rose 8.9 percent for July.
