AGC Says Stimulus Will Save or Create 2M Jobs

Washington, DC, Feb. 19, 2009–Trade association Associated General Contractors of America says the $135 billion in construction and infrastructure included in President Obama’s $787 billion stimulus legislation will create or save nearly 2 million jobs over the next two years.

AGC Economist Ken Simonson, and Stephen Fuller of George Mason University analyzed the legislation and concluded the funding would create or save 650,000 construction jobs, 300,000 jobs in related fields and 970,000 jobs to support the investments.

“There’s no doubt the stimulus will have a positive impact for construction businesses and their workers across the country,” says Stephen Sandherr, chief executive of AGC.

“When you get beyond the politics and the policy, the fact remains these investments will put people to work, save businesses, and help rebuild aging infrastructure.”

Simonson said the $135 billion for construction would increase personal earnings by $75 billion and add $230 billion to the gross national product.