Stimulus, other public infrastructure investments boost construction spending figures

Increases in public-sector construction spending, driven by stimulus funds, helped boost total construction activity by almost $2 billion between February and March, according to a new analysis of federal spending figures released May 3 by the Associated General Contractors of America, Arlington, Va. The figures show that the stimulus has gone from slowing declines in construction spending to contributing to increases, the association noted.

"If it weren't for public investments in infrastructure and construction, this industry would be in free fall," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. "Fortunately, the stimulus is now helping rebuild a construction industry devastated by relentless declines in private-sector activity."

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