While the region’s seven states report improved public and private markets from 2021 through this year, problems with the availability and delivery of materials, labor shortages and the rise in inflation continue to curb revenue and expectations at construction firms. Every year, ENR Mountain States compiles two top lists: one for companies working in Colorado, Wyoming and the Dakotas and one for firms in the Intermountain area, which includes Utah, Idaho and Montana.
“The pandemic did not substantially slow construction in Montana. Many large public projects such as airports and bridges were moving forward and continued with little delay,” says David Smith, executive director, Montana Contractors Association, noting particularly strong private-sector work in the Billings, Bozeman, Missoula and Kalispell communities.
He says the state has posted a 13.8% increase in construction employment since the start of the pandemic, the second highest in the country, which represents an increase of 4,000-plus jobs, mostly in the trades. As the state gains population, residential work continues to be strong, led by multifamily projects.
“As with other areas of the country, materials and labor availability are putting pressure on time and cost. Sometimes those materials are not available no matter how much extra you offer to pay for them,” Smith says.
He’s also concerned about getting contractors to bid on small rural in-state projects. For highway projects, the Montana Dept. of...
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