Delaware was one of only 14 states and the District of Columbia to have added construction jobs since February 2020, according to an analysis of federal employment data released Oct. 22 by the Associated General Contractors of America.

Also, Delaware had the second-largest percentage of construction jobs added between August and September of this year — 2.9% with 700 positions created. Connecticut had the largest percentage gain (3% and 1,700 jobs), followed by Delaware, then West Virginia (2.3% and 700 jobs).

Delaware ranked fourth nationally over the past 19 months, adding 1,300 builder jobs, a 5.6% increase.

Association officials maintained that widespread supply chain disruptions and the lack of a federal infrastructure bill have impeded the sector’s recovery.

According to the Delaware Department of Labor’s monthly review, also published Oct. 22, Delaware’s overall seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in September was 5.3%, down from 5.4% in August. There were 26,100 unemployed residents in September 2021, compared to 37,500 in September 2020.

The national unemployment rate was 4.8% in September 2021, down from 5.2% in August 2021.

In September 2020, the U.S. unemployment rate was 7.8%, while Delaware’s rate was 7.6%.
Up until two months ago, DOL reported, the federal government had been offering $300-per-week unemployment benefits bonuses, in addition to Delaware’s unemployment insurance payments, which averaged about $287 per week. But the federal bonuses related to the COVID-19 pandemic ended Sept. 6.

In the construction field, Texas added the most jobs between August and September (8,900 jobs, 1.2%), followed by Florida (6,900 jobs, 1.2%) and Washington (3,600 jobs, 1.6%).

“Construction employment remains below pre-pandemic levels in more than two-thirds of the states,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Supply problems have slowed down many projects and forced contractors to hold down employment, while the lack of an infrastructure bill is leading some to delay hiring.”

From February 2020 — the month before the pandemic caused project shutdowns and cancellations — until last month, construction employment increased in only 14 states and D.C. It decreased in 35 states and stalled in Connecticut. Texas shed the most construction jobs over the period (48,000 jobs or 6.1%). The largest percentage loss was in Louisiana (16.1% or 22,000 positions).

Utah added the most construction jobs since February 2020 (9,400 or 8.2%). The largest percentage gains were in Idaho, Utah and South Dakota (7.9% or 1,900 jobs).

From August to September, construction employment decreased in 16 states, increased in 32 states and the District of Columbia, and was unchanged in Iowa and Kansas. The largest decline over the month occurred in Tennessee, which lost 2,800 construction jobs or 2.1%. The largest percentage decline was in Alaska (800 jobs or 4.9%).

“The latest state employment figures show that gridlock in our ports and on Capitol Hill is retarding construction employment, as well as the broader economy,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer.

“Even as the administration looks for ways to unclog domestic supply chains, the president should urge the House to pass the infrastructure bill on its own, as quickly as possible.”