06/10/09

When it comes to jobs in construction, that's where experts say they are seeing one of the larger loses during these tough economic times.

Local economist Jan Roeser, with the Idaho Department of Labor says, "Construction has really taken a hit and it has to do with our housing problem across the United States."

In fact local experts say construction projects in the Magic Valley have continued to fall since 2006.

"Our highest year as far as construction was back in 2006 so we have been steadily dropping anyway but when you are getting down to the lower numbers it concerning, " said Roeser.

According to a new Idaho Construction Report released by Wells Fargo, construction permits issued in April were down nearly 50 percent from the previous year. Roeser says numbers in the Magic Valley are down with the exception of Gooding County and the Mini Cassia area where they are seeing a lot of new development.

However in Blaine County she says things have remained quiet with the exception of a few projects; and despite the higher numbers, a local real estate agent says things aren't as bad as they look.

Sid Lezamiz, Lezamiz Real Estate says, "There has been a decrease in residential construction, commercial construction is up and residential has had to make some adjustments. Overall the market looks good."

He expects things to get better. "I think we are going to see those numbers jump up by 10–15 percent in the next couple of months."

While the numbers may not be ideal to some, Roeser says she also believes things will start to pick up again, but it may take at least four years to get back to those 2006 numbers.