Compared to June 2009, construction employment rose in six states, the largest number of states to post year-over-year increases since October 2008.

"It is encouraging to see some states adding construction jobs and the declines in others getting less severe," said Ken Simonson, AGC's chief economist. "But there's little room to celebrate with overall construction employment at a 14-year low and demand for most construction services still weak."

The largest year-over-year increase was in Kansas, where construction employment rose 7.7% (4,400 jobs). Other states that added construction jobs between June 2009 and June 2010 are Arkansas (1,200 jobs), West Virginia (800 jobs), Alaska (500), and New Hampshire (also 500).

The largest percentage job decrease compared to June 2009 was in Nevada, which lost 24.4% of its construction employment (19,500 jobs). Other states suffering heavy losses include Vermont, Wyoming, and Washington.

An abundance of workers and firms eager to work, combined with relatively low materials costs, makes construction services more affordable than they have been in years. Simonson noted that the producer price index for construction dropped 0.9% in June.

AGC officials said projects funded by federal recovery act money have added to the construction job tally in many states. They warned, however, that recovery money will soon run out, yet Congress has not passed a long-term surface transportation reauthorization measure or other key infrastructure bills.

"Any improvements in the construction employment picture will be difficult to sustain unless Congress quickly passes long-term funding for transportation, drinking water, and wastewater infrastructure," said Stephen Sandherr, AGC's CEO.

Construction employment figures by state are available at tinyurl.com/AGC0610.