Out of the 337 U.S. metropolitan areas, only 10 added construction jobs between February 2009 and February 2010, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) reported Tuesday.

Citing data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Arlington, Va.-based association said 230 metropolitan cities experienced double-digit declines in construction employment, while only two had double-digit increases.

“In virtually every area, construction workers continued to suffer the brunt of the recession,” said Ken Simonson, the chief economist for AGC. “Job losses in far too many cities were simply, and sadly, staggering.”

Among the 10 metro areas that increased their construction work forces during the past 12 months was Eau Claire, Wis., which added 600 jobs. At 29 percent, that represented a higher percentage gain than any other city in the United States.

With 25,500 construction job losses, Simonson said, Houston’s 13 percent decline made it hardest-hit metro area between February 2009 and February 2010.

Other areas experiencing a high number of job losses included Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Phoenix.

Annual construction spending declined to an eight-year low in February, as the industry continues to suffer from weak demand for new construction activity.