Construction Spending Rises Modestly in April for Third Straight Month

Total construction spending rose modestly for the third straight month in April as a mix of increases and declines in public and private categories showed the sector’s recovery remains fragile and fragmented, according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by AGC of America. Association officials said the industry could benefit from new federal investments in infrastructure to offset declining public sector demand. “Residential, private nonresidential and public construction spending all have areas of strength, but also pockets of weakness,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “While the overall trend remains more positive than last year, growth is likely to be spotty for the foreseeable future.” Read the full release here.