Unless a slowing economy whacked the state with a two-by-four in the final months of 2000, Wisconsin has likely set new records for annual construction activity, according to a state industry group.
Although year-end data is not yet available, a contractors association reported that construction firms in the state saw almost $9 billion worth of work through October 2000. That figure is more than $1 billion above the record-setting pace of 1999 and positioned the industry to easily surpass the $10 billion mark for the first time.
Some expect the momentum to at least break any fall the industry might be facing with a slowing economy. Data on statewide construction permits-indicators of future construction-through September of last year are showing about a 10 percent decline.
—Ronald A. Wirtz
