Arizona construction jobs up from a year ago

Arizona has gained 8,200 construction jobs during the past year — a 7.6 percent increase, according to a report released Friday by Associated General Contractors of America. The report showed Arizona gained 3,500 of those jobs in September and now has a total of 115,700 construction jobs. Texas gained the most construction jobs during the past year (35,400), and Georgia lost the most (13,900). In terms of percentages, North Dakota posted the largest gain: 23 percent. The report cautions, however, that job gains might be negated by a new federal 3 percent withholding rule that becomes effective in 2013. Under terms of that regulation, all large municipalities and school districts and all states and all federal agencies must withhold 3 percent of every payment to every contractor until those contractors have finalized their tax returns for the year. In Arizona, 94 percent of contractors that responded to an AGC survey said the new rule would have a negative effect on their business. On a national basis, 97 percent said the measure would make it harder to attract capital and bond projects. There are actions in both the Senate and House of Representatives that could repeal the rule.

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