Given the weak economy, there's little doubt that construction activity is set to take a dive in 2009. It's just a matter of how far and how fast. Although construction starts saw mixed results in 2008 as some sectors rose and others fell, few will be immune heading into next year, economists predict. McGraw-Hill Construction, the publisher of this magazine, estimates construction starts tumbled to $555.5 billion in 2008-a 12% drop from $634.4 billion in 2007. Steady declines will continue through 2009, dropping another 7% to $514.6 billion, says Robert Murray, vice president of economic affairs at McGraw-Hill Construction.
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