Total U.S. construction spending in June recorded the highest year-over-year growth rate since 2006, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. However, AGC officials cautioned that those spending gains could be at risk unless all levels of government strengthen programs to develop the construction workforce.
“Spending rose strongly in June from a year ago for all major construction categories—private nonresidential, residential and public,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Although the initial estimate for June showed minimal growth from May, totals for May and April were revised upward by large amounts.”
Construction spending in June totaled $1.065 trillion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, 12% higher than in June 2014, Simonson said. He noted that the year-over-year growth rate was the strongest since March 2014, indicating a faster pace of construction spending overall. The June total was the highest level since July 2008 and was 0.1% higher than the May total following an upward revision of $28 billion in that figure.
“Several of the private categories have risen especially fast,” Simonson added. “Whether they can keep growing depends in part on companies being able to find enough skilled workers, a problem many contractors are already facing.” He cited as areas for which worker shortages could be troublesome: the one-year increases of 62% in manufacturing construction spending, 48% in amusement and recreation construction, 42% in lodging construction, 27% in private office construction and 24% in private multifamily construction.
“It is clear that construction is rebounding but the progress may stall unless there is a concerted effort at all levels of government to provide training to get new workers into high-paying construction careers,” commented Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “It would be a lost opportunity for the economy if firms can’t take advantage of growing demand for work because of a lack of qualified workers.”
Association officials urge federal, state and local officials to implement the steps listed in the association’s Workforce Development Plan. Those measures, which include expanding career and technical education opportunities, making it easier for firms to establish regional training programs and immigration reform, are designed to make it easier to recruit and prepare new construction workers.