AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – Although construction projects in the area have caused headaches for many travelers, these projects have created a boost in the amount of jobs available for local workers.

In the past five years Fuller & Sons Construction, a local contractor, has tripled its work force.

“Our workforce has grown because of the amount of work that’s been out there and the more we’re able to take on, so it’s a good opportunity to hire more people,” said Josh Fuller, president at Fuller & Sons Construction. “Which that money flows back into the economy as well.”

Fuller & Sons Construction has worked with TxDOT on projects for years and are currently working on up to nine contracts right now.

“If we can get local contractors on or if they’re hired on then that’s just an added bonus for the contractor to help participate in this,” said Jason Britsch, public information officer, TxDOT’s Amarillo District. We have lots of projects happening all across the district and there’s a lot of them with local contractors that are participating in these projects and help get them done.”

Officials say that if contractors come in from out of state, they’re employing people from out of state so those dollars that come in immediately go out.

“We’d rather that money stay right here because that’s just going to further more job growth in other industries because there’s more people to spend money in those industries and so it just, it’s a circular type thinking,” said Fuller.

With continuing to hire local the money is staying local and providing a boost to the economy.

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