The momentum boosting the number of states adding construction jobs stalled in March as 12 states and the District of Columbia added jobs, 36 states lost jobs and levels were flat in two states, according to an Associated General Contractors analysis of U.S. Department of Labor data.

The year-over-year figures were little better, AGC officials added, noting that 24 states and D.C. added construction jobs between March 2011 and 2012 while 24 lost jobs and two were unchanged.

"The March figures may simply reflect a bit of a correction after last year's harsh winter and this year's mild winter impacted typical March hiring patterns," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. "But the industry is still burdened in many states by weak demand for single-family housing, retail, office and public construction."