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Construction spending maintains year-over-year gains through October

Dec. 5, 2018
Construction spending maintains year-over-year gains through October

Construction spending edged lower in October from September levels but increased from the October 2017 total, according to an analysis of new Census data by the Associated General Contractors of America. However, investment in public infrastructure posted declines from recent peaks, and association officials urged the White House and Congress to act promptly on comprehensive infrastructure legislation.

"Although most segments of construction continue to post year-over-year spending gains, investment in vitally needed infrastructure has stalled or shrunk in the past four months," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. "If infrastructure contractors start losing employees to more-active construction segments, it may be hard to get infrastructure projects done on time once funding resumes."

Construction spending totaled $1.309 trillion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in October, a dip of 0.1% from the September rate but 4.9% higher than in October 2017. Private residential construction fell 0.5% for the month but increased 1.8% year-over-year. Private nonresidential spending slipped 0.3% from September to October but increased 6.4% over 12 months. Public construction spending, comprising public buildings and infrastructure, increased 0.8% for the month and 8.5% for the year.

The economist noted that public spending was boosted by large increases in educational spending and other public building segments, while all public infrastructure categories had declined from recent highs. Seasonally adjusted spending on highway and street construction peaked in August and has dropped 2.1% in the past two months, he said.

Public investment in air, rail, and water transportation facilities fell 1.2% between August and October. Outlays for sewage and waste disposal and water supply systems topped out in June and have decreased 2.2% and 8.6%, respectively, since then. Public spending on conservation and development, such as levees and dams, slumped 14.6% from August to October.

Association officials said that now is the ideal time to invest in repairing, modernizing and expanding infrastructure. Stephen E Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer, called on federal officials to act quickly to enact legislation that would increase funding and speed the approval process to improve highways and other modes of transportation, enhance water safety and supply, and strengthen critical levees and dams.

"Infrastructure is vital to all Americans and is a subject both parties should be able to agree on funding and improving," Sandherr said. "The incoming Congress has an opportunity to create a bipartisan infrastructure bill that will benefit all regions and all parts of the economy."