LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- The national construction unemployment rate dropped to 16 percent, compared to almost 22 percent the first of 2011, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.
The group noted that the nonresidential construction sectors lost 6,200 jobs in May, while the residential sector added 8,200 jobs, but the unemployment rates are still more than twice the national average.
The Arkansas Home Builders Association of Greater Little Rock says like many times, Arkansas differs from the nation.
Executive Officer Joe Burack says the area usually bucks the national trends. "As bad as the economy has gotten we haven't been decimated. We're down but what's interesting is we've leveled off the last 3 years," Burak says.
Burak also says they're seeing close to normal housing permit numbers and with homes being built it helps the economy grow.
"For every new home that's constructed we create 3 permanent jobs in the community and that's nothing to sneeze at."
That's something Bret Franks of Bret Franks Construction Inc, says he hopes to see more construction turning into jobs, even if it's slow and steady.
"It's not real quick it's like you said it's slow and steady but I'm seeing some traction beginning to be made and I'm real excited about the future," Franks said.
National construction spending figures released last week from the federal government show federal, state and local governments cutting construction projects.
The private sector is seeing more building because of the demand for power and green construction.