Construction employment increased in 26 states between July 2010 and July 2011 and during the past month, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of state employment data released by the Labor Department.

The largest percentage increase in construction employment during the past year took place in North Dakota, where 4,000 new jobs equaled a 19 percent jump. Texas added the most jobs with 23,800. Association officials noted that contractors around the country report they have been forced to reduce staff because of cutbacks in federally funded construction projects.