Massachusetts Construction Jobs Drying up

The number of construction jobs in Massachusetts has fallen by about 10,000 positions in the past three months to the lowest level in a decade.

The Boston Globe, citing state employment data, reports Monday that there are about 120,000 jobs in the industry statewide.

Industry leaders blame the job decline on the poor economy and lending restrictions that prevent developers from getting money to start work on homes and commercial buildings. In addition, many homeowners are delaying renovations, another source of jobs.

Labor leaders hope the industry receives a boost from the federal government’s $787 billion economic stimulus bill, which is expected to result in $500 million to $600 million in road and bridge improvements in Massachusetts.
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Information from: The Boston Globe