Construction Spending Declines 2.1%, Private Work Outweighs Public Pickup, Says AGC

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Construction spending declined for the third month in a row in May as a sharp slowdown in private projects more than offset a rise in public work, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. Association officials warned that the pickup in public projects is likely to reverse soon unless the federal government acts quickly to invest in needed infrastructure and shore up crumbling state and local budgets.   “Three short-lived factors may have boosted construction spending in May: emergency healthcare projects, acceleration of highway work to make use of the drop in road … Read more

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New AGC, HCSS Survey Catalogs Work Zone Risks for Motorists, Workers as Construction Activity Increases

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Construction employment increased in 329 out of 358 metro areas between April and May as a new survey finds that two-thirds of highway construction firms had at least one crash in the past year at highway work zones they operate. Officials with the Associated General Contractors of America and HCSS, which conducted the survey, urged drivers to slow down and be aware while driving through highway work zones during their summer travels.   “As industry employment increases, it is safe to assume that more people are working in highway work zones that are typically close to moving traffic,” said Ken … Read more

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New Data Shows Signs of Construction Recovery, Need for Federal Assistance

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A new survey by the Associated General Contractors of America, and data from construction technology firm Procore, show that construction activity is returning to pre-coronavirus levels in many parts of the country and some firms are adding workers.The new economic data, however, also shows some future projects are being canceled and many others are being delayed by supply chain issues and labor shortages, underscoring the need for additional federal recovery measures, association officials noted. “Many of the immediate economic impacts of the coronavirus have passed and, as a result, activity and hiring are up, a bit,” said Ken Simonson, the … Read more

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AGC Recognizes BNBuilders’ Safety Culture on Complex Worksites

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In March, BNBuilders was honored with a first-place 2020 Construction Safety Excellence Award during the Associated General Contractors National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company received a 1st place award in the Building division, in the 900,000 – 2 Million Work Hours category for its exceptional safety performance. This is the second time the firm has been recognized with this award. The CSEA selection process is known for its rigor, with a comprehensive review of a written application and an in-person interview. A panel of five judges make their selection based on company management involvement, active employee participation, safety … Read more

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AGC Reports Construction Jobs Rise by 464K, Remain Below Recent Peak

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Construction employment rebounded by 464,000 jobs in May, but the total remained 596,000 below the latest peak in February and the industry’s 12.7% unemployment rate was the highest for May since 2012, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. Association officials cautioned that the future job losses are likely as temporary federal support programs end, state and local officials deal with tighter budgets and private sector demand declines later this year.   “The huge pickup in construction employment in May is good news and probably reflects the industry’s widespread receipt of Paycheck Protection … Read more

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