Construction job boon here in Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Construction jobs are on the rise in Buffalo.

A contractors trade group says the Buffalo-Niagara region added more new construction jobs over the last year than most American cities. The announcement came Monday outside Buffalo's Larkin building. Local lawmakers say the number of jobs could be even higher if Congress passed the highway and transit bill sooner.

Rep. Brian Higgins said, "Every day, 600,000 motorists drive over bridges in western New York that are structurally deficient. Every second, seven cars drive over bridges that are structurally deficient. It is very, very clear that we need to rebuild here in western New York, throughout New York State, and throughout the nation."

Congressman Higgins is pushing for a multi-year transportation bill to help create more jobs in western New York.