“A majority of states are adding jobs month by month and year-over-year,” said Ken Simonson, the AGC’s chief economist. “The expansion appears poised to continue for residential and private nonresidential construction. But investment in infrastructure and public buildings is still on a downward path. That will keep employment down in states with a large federal presence.”

The association urged Congress and the White House to make infrastructure spending a priority even when other categories are suffering major budget cuts.

Shortchanging investment in the nation’s infrastructure hurts not just construction workers but anyone who relies on good roads, air travel or drinking water,” said association Chief Executive Officer Stephen E. Sandherr. “We need to make urgent repairs and new investments in transportation and environmental infrastructure before our aging and overused systems begin to drag on economic growth.”