Baton Rouge saw a 3% increase in construction jobs between Aug. 2008 and Aug. 2009, tied for third-most in the nation, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. Columbus, Ind., was first with 14% growth, while Anderson, Ind., was next with 6%; Baton Rouge was tied with Tulsa, Okla., and Longview, Wash. The AGC says 324 of 337 metro areas lost construction jobs. The organization is pushing a mix of tax credits, incentives, policy changes and investments to revive the industry. Ken Naquin, CEO of the Louisiana Associated General Contractors, says that while private sector construction in Baton Rouge is slow because of difficulties obtaining financing, the area’s construction employment should remain strong overall because of the Green Light Plan, school construction and sewer improvements, and could get even stronger if the capital improvements package passes. To read more about its plan, click here.
Baton Rouge one of few areas with construction job growth
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