CONSTRUCTION NEWS<br>Employment Slides, Costs Rise
Construction employment in October totaled 6.5 million, down 27,000 from September 2002, while general builder Turner Corp. recently forecast construction costs in the fourth quarter will increase 0.16 percent.
Nationwide, seasonally adjusted construction employment in October totaled 6.5 million, down 27,000 (-0.4%) from September 2002, and down 103,000 (1.6%) from October 2002.
Seasonally adjusted construction employment for the month rose in 16 states plus D.C., was unchanged (or within 100 of the August total) in 16, and fell in 18. The largest monthly percentage increases were in Colorado, Delaware, D.C., Maryland, Montana and Wyoming (all 2%). The largest decreases were in Mississippi and Missouri (both -2%).