Public Sector Boosts Construction

Tue., Nov. 5, 1996

From Staff And Wire Reports

Construction spending posted the steepest advance in six months in September due mainly to a rebound in government expenditures. Outlays for the vital single-family housing sector shrank.

“Public outlays are essentially supporting the construction industry,” said economist Marilyn Schaja of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp. “Residential construction outlays remain extremely weak.”

Spending on residential, nonresidential and government projects rose 1.9 percent to $573.4 billion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, compared to $562.7 billion in August, when spending rose 0.7 percent.

The September advance was the largest since spending shot up 2.3 percent last March. The increase helped push spending during the July-September period up 1.8 percent, compared to just 1.1 percent from April through June. For the 12 months ended in September, spending increased 4.2 percent.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Public Sector Boosts Construction

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

Todd Blanche confirmed by Senate as attorney general

Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, Hunter Biden says

Funding patch passes Senate to head off fall shutdown