Total construction spending rose modestly for the third straight month in April, according to the AGC. The Associated General Contractors of America found that April 2014 was a mix of increases and declines in public and private categories, and this shows the sector’s recovery remains fragile and fragmented. 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.”