SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- Building keeps booming in Sioux Falls.
Nearly $345 million in construction permits were issued by the city in the first six months of 2018. That's about $5 million ahead of last year's record pace.
"I still think we're going to have a record year because we've got some good projects coming in," City Permits Director Butch Warrington tells KELO Radio's It's Your Business Show with Bill Zortman.
Warrington says challenging weather had an impact on construction levels in the first half of the year, but workforce development was also a continuing challenge.
"Every contractor that I talk to, it sounds like it's mainly because they can't find the help to do the work."
There are numerous initiatives in South Dakota, in both the public and private sectors, to increase the number of skilled construction workers. School Districts and Tech Schools have been doubling down on the challenge.
Governor Dennis Daugaard says one of the problems is that there is a disconnect between the workplace and education. He says the job market is changing faster than schools can keep up.
