Trump's infrastructure splurge would collide with skilled labour crunch in US

Washington

PRESIDENT-ELECT Donald Trump's drive to rebuild US roads, bridges, ports and other public works projects with a US$1 trillion infrastructure investment plan would come as the country faces a shortage of skilled labourers.

Before any dirt can be moved, Mr Trump would have to get approval from Congress. But with Democratic support and a push from business groups, there is some optimism that Mr Trump could win over sceptical Republicans who control Congress, if the plan does not add significantly to federal debt.

More than two-thirds of US roads are in less than good condition and nearly 143,000 bridges need repair or improvement, the Transportation Department estimates.

At the same time, construction contractors have reported tight labour conditions in the South, Mid-west and South-west, causing project delays, the Federal Reserve n…