Nonresidential building and specialty trade contractors added a net 2,700 jobs for the month and 16,200 jobs, or 0.6%, over 12 months.

“In the second half of 2011, there should be a strong gain in apartment and manufacturing construction; some improvement in construction of hospitals, distribution centers and hotel renovations; and ongoing strength in power and energy projects,” Simonson predicted. “But job creation in these niches may be swamped by further declines in public construction and continued weakness in single-family homebuilding, office and retail work.”

Association officials said that it is vital for public officials at all levels of government to renew commitments to maintain and update infrastructure. The construction association also reiterated its call to streamline approvals of public works.

“The announcement yesterday of the outline of a long-delayed federal highway and transit funding authorization, with a quicker approval process, is an encouraging note, but the proposed funding level is grossly inadequate,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer.

 “Meanwhile, a budget stalemate in Minnesota has already led to a halt in state highway projects there, adding to the unacceptably high loss of construction jobs. Other road, school and public works projects are at risk of shutting down soon unless government officials act promptly,” he said.