GENERAL CONTRACTORS--WATER, SEWER, PIPELINE, AND
     COMMUNICATIONS AND POWER LINE CONSTRUCTION (Industry
     1623)

     Establishments classified in this industry are
     primarily engaged in the construction of pipelines,
     communication and power lines, and sewer and water
     mains.  It also includes construction of pumping
     stations, television and radio towers, cable laying,
     cable television line construction, and telephone
     lines.  For additional examples, refer to the Standard
     Industrial Classification Manual: 1987 (SIC) published
     by the Office of Management and Budget, Executive
     Office of the President.

     During 1992, the establishments with paid employees
     classified in this industry accounted for $20.4 billion
     in total dollar value of business.  Of this amount,
     $20.2 billion were for the value of construction work. 
     These establishments paid out $5.5 billion for
     materials, components, and supplies and $2.6 billion
     for construction work subcontracted to others.  Costs
     for selected power, fuels, and lubricants for the
     industry were $592 million. Value added for 1992 was
     $11.7 billion.

     There were 10,233 establishments with total employment
     averaging 194,252 during the year.  Total payroll for
     1992 was $5.6 billion.

     Larger establishments with 20 employees or more, while
     representing only 24 percent of the total number of
     employer establishments in this industry, accounted for
     76 percent of all business done.