Georgia's construction sector is grappling with a significant labor shortage, with 76% of companies reporting difficulty finding enough workers, according to a survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America.

The construction industry is vital to Georgia's economy, contributing $45 billion. However, the demand for labor is outpacing the supply, with an estimated 454,000 more workers needed across the country by 2025.

Brian Turmail, the vice president of public affairs at the Associated General Contractors of America (AGCA), emphasized the urgent need for action, stating that contractors are calling for enhanced investments in career and technical training. He also highlighted the importance of immigration reform to allow more foreign-born workers to fill these roles. Specifically, the H-2B visa program, which currently has a cap of 66,000 workers annually, should be expanded to address the gap in labor supply.

Turmail discussed these issues further on "All Things Considered," explaining how existing immigration and education policies are creating barriers that hinder efforts to meet the growing demand for workers in the construction industry.

To elaborate further on these points, Turmail mentioned that without a reliable labor force, construction projects are facing delays and increased costs, potentially affecting the broader economy. He noted that attracting foreign-born workers has been a crucial factor in meeting demand in the past, but restrictive immigration policies are making it harder to fill these critical roles. The shortage also raises concerns about the industry's long-term sustainability, as companies struggle to keep up with the increasing demand for new infrastructure and housing developments.

The construction sector has become a major economic engine for Georgia, but without addressing the workforce shortage, the industry may not be able to sustain its growth. While industry leaders are calling for more action from policymakers, the solution requires a balance between addressing workforce gaps and ensuring fair treatment for all workers, including both domestic and foreign-born employees.

Originally reported by WABE.