Sector employment increases in 26 states, D.C., from February to March

Construction employment expanded in 26 states and the District of Columbia between February and March 2010, yet only Arkansas and North Dakota have more construction workers than they did a year ago according to a new analysis of federal employment figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. The new figures, while offering room for optimism, underscore how far the industry is from a recovery, association officials said.

"It's too early to tell whether these numbers reflect the start of a positive trend, or the impact of a warm March following a snowy February," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. "Even assuming the numbers are heading in the right direction, it is a long climb just to get back to normal for the construction industry," according to an April 16 AGC of America release.

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