The Associated General Contractors of America has expressed concern about the impact of the ongoing federal government shutdown on the construction industry. Jeffrey D. Shoaf, chief executive officer of the organization, stated that the shutdown could disrupt essential construction activities nationwide.
Shoaf explained that many federal officials responsible for approving change orders, conducting inspections, and awarding new projects are likely to be furloughed during the shutdown. He warned that an extended closure could have negative effects on construction employment across the country.
“The federal government shutdown that started earlier this week has the potential to undermine the construction sector across the country. That is because the federal officials who need to sign off on change orders, conduct project inspections and award new projects are likely to be on furlough. In other words, the longer the government is shut, the more likely construction employment around the country could be impacted negatively. That is why we are urging Congress to quickly pass, as it has many times in the past, a clean continuing resolution that will allow the federal government to reopen and vital infrastructure and public works projects to continue. Construction workers around the country are counting on Congress to do its job and fund the government,” Shoaf said.
The association called on Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution so that work can resume on important infrastructure and public works projects.