Construction (Civilian).

• Position: 2006 Alaska Forecast

Truly a hot spot in Alaska's statewide economic picture, the construction industry will probably eclipse its 2005 record-breaking year, barring unforeseen negative factors, according to many industry watchers, experts and professionals who are involved in Alaska's new-stabilizing industry.

No, the construction industry itself is not new. Indeed, it is one of the foundations of Alaska legacy enterprise dating in the modern era from WWII days. What is comparatively new, however, is construction's stabilizing effect on the overall statewide economy. For the past 15 years, since 1989, the industry has continued to drive both employment growth and positive monetary impact.

Employment is still very seasonal and comprises only about 5 percent of total statewide employment, but average annual earnings are in the $50,000 range for full-time workers. Although construction jobs declined slightly last year, a modest 1 percent growth is forecast for 2006, bringing the total number of construction jobs to a potential 22,000.

Although construction of a new $93 million Anchorage Visitor and Convention Bureau is uncertain at this time...