Connecticut Construction Jobs Get Stimulated

Several Connecticut construction jobs will soon beWith any luck the added jobs will help Connecticut's
created thanks to the American Recovery andfailing construction industry. The state's construction
Reinvestment Act. The jobs and funding also will helpindustry employed 52,100 workers during April,
provide clean drinking water to state residents.according to the United States Department of Labor
The State of Connecticut has received almost $20Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is down from 53,200
million in federal economic stimulus money for stateworkers during March and a 22.4 percent decrease
and municipal projects that will improve drinking water.from last year.
The Environmental Protection Agency issued $19.5Connecticut's construction industry has declined
million to the Connecticut Drinking Water Statedrastically every month for the last six months. The
Revolving Fund and $485,000 to the state's Waterindustry decreased by 12 percent in November 2008,
Quality Management and Planning Program.14.8 percent in December 2008, 17.1 percent in January,
According to an article by the Hartford Business19.7 percent in February, 21.9 percent in March and
Journal Online, the State Department of Health said the22.4 percent in April.
money will be distributed as grants and low-interestOverall, the State of Connecticut employed 1,640,400
loans to public water systems and construction-readyworkers during April, down from 1,652,200 workers
projects for treating and delivering drinking water.during March and a 3.8 percent decrease from last
"This money will help ensure our residents have clean,year. During April, the state saw its unemployment rate
safe drinking water while protecting and creating jobsincrease from 7.5 percent to 7.9 percent.
in our state,'' Sen. Joe Lieberman said in the article.