Statement from U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke on New Residential Construction in May 2011

Submitted on June 16, 2011 - 11:15am
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 16, 2011
CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
202-482-4883

The Commerce Department’s U.S. Census Bureau today released data on new residential construction for May 2011.  Permits for new housing units jumped 8.7 percent in May.  Private-sector analysts had expected a 0.7 percent decline.  Housing starts advanced 3.5 percent in May. Private-sector analysts had expected a 4.8 percent increase.  Both permits and starts in April were revised up.

“While May’s housing data exceeded expectations, we recognize the imperative for a continued and full economic recovery that includes a healthy housing sector as well as continued job growth” said Locke.  “This administration is committed to pursuing policies that will do just that, helping America win the future,” he said.