Two Alabama metros saw sizable declines in construction employment between November 2012 and November 2013, according to an analysis of federal employment data from the Associated General Contractors of America.
Construction jobs in both Anniston-Oxford and Mobile decreased 11 percent, with Mobile losing 1, 300 jobs, while 100 jobs disappeared in Anniston-Oxford.
Construction employment was down 3 percent across the state, with only three metro areas breaking into the positive: Dothan, with an 11 percent increase; Tuscaloosa, 4 percent, and Florence-Muscle Shoals, 3 percent.
Nationwide, construction employment expanded in 211 metro areas, declined in 67 and was stagnant in 61 between November 2012 and November 2013, according to the analysis.
“Construction employment continued to expand in many parts of the country in November, but most areas have a long way to go before reaching prior peak levels, ” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “It will take many more months of strong economic growth and new investments in public infrastructure before many places experience construction employment levels close to their prior peaks.”
A notable nearby bright spot was Pascagoula, Miss. — home to the Huntington-Ingalls Shipyard — with 1, 100 construction jobs added, or 24 percent of its market total.
Text by Dave Helms
