economics
Index shows continued promise for nonresidential building
The Dodge Momentum Index, a monthly measure of the first report for nonresidential building projects in planning, rose 3.6 percent in May from the previous month, according to McGraw Hill Construction. The index has risen for six consecutive months, marking… Keep Reading
First-quarter crushed-stone production down
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), an estimated 211 million metric tons (Mt) of crushed stone were produced and shipped for consumption in the United States in the first quarter of 2013 – a decrease of 4 percent compared with… Keep Reading
Proposed bill leans on corporations for infrastructure funds
A unique form of infrastructure funding was introduced last week when Rep. John K. Delaney (D-Md.) crafted The Partnership to Build America Act, which would create a $50 billion fund that makes bonds available for purchase to global corporations based… Keep Reading
Nonresidential Construction Index hits record high
FMI released its second-quarter Nonresidential Construction Index (NRCI) report, giving nonresidential construction its highest score in more than four years after receiving feedback from its panelists. The NRCI score of 60.1 is a two-point improvement over the first quarter of… Keep Reading
Dodge Momentum Index at highest mark in nearly four years
The Dodge Momentum Index, a monthly measure of the first report for nonresidential building projects in planning, rose 5.2 percent in April from the previous month, according to McGraw Hill Construction. Gains have been reported for the momentum index in… Keep Reading
Virginia roads bill signed into law
The commonwealth of Virginia's road construction fund was on a pace to run out in four years. But a landmark transportation-funding bill Gov. Bob McDonnell (R-Va.) ceremoniously signed Monday will generate $1.4 billion per year for Virginia's roads and highways.… Keep Reading
Vulcan makes first-quarter results public
Vulcan Materials Co. released its 2013 first-quarter results today, noting that its aggregates gross profit was down over the prior year's first quarter yet emphasizing that the company's business segments performed as they were expected to. "Aggregates segment gross profit,… Keep Reading
Non-residential building segment showing continued progress
The Dodge Momentum Index measuring the first report for nonresidential building projects in planning rose 5.9 percent in March, according to McGraw-Hill Construction. The increase lifted the index to 109.4, marking the fourth gain in a row following the modest… Keep Reading
Construction put-in-place exceeding 2012 levels
The forecast for total construction-put-in-place for 2013 continues to show an increase of 8 percent over 2012 levels with an expected expenditure topping $900 billion, according to FMI's first quarter construction outlook. Residential building is showing the most promise, with… Keep Reading