Private nonresidential construction spending decreased 0.7 percent in October 2008 compared to September, according to a Dec. 1 release by the U.S. Census Bureau.  Total nonresidential construction spending rose 8.3 percent since last year and remained fairly flat in October – down 0.1 percent to $725.7 billion (see graph), while private nonresidential construction put in place rose 9.1 percent on a year-over-year basis to reach $417.7 billion.

Twelve of the 16 subsectors within nonresidential construction produced year-over-year gains in October.  Segments that posted the largest increases included manufacturing, up 53.7 percent; public safety, up 24 percent; and power, up 21.9 percent.  Ten subsectors produced monthly gains in October with amusement and recreation posting one of the largest increases of 3.2 percent. Conservation and development also increased 6.9 percent on a monthly basis, but fell 9.7 percent compared to last year.

Communication posted one of the largest decreases falling 20.4 percent compared to last year and down 3.9 percent compared to September.  Religious construction fell 6.3 percent compared to October 2007 and was down 2.4 percent on a monthly basis.  Commercial construction was also down 11.2 percent year over year. 

Public nonresidential construction was up 0.7 percent from September and rose 11.1 percent compared to last year.  Residential construction continues to decline, dropping 3.5 percent on a monthly basis and 23.6 percent from last October.  Total construction value was down 1.2 percent from September and 4.6 percent from the same time last year.