Construction Roadblock

With materials and labor in short supply, the fast-growing Valley is straining to build its future...

The Arizona Republic reports the ripple effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are spilling outside the Southeast, with the intensified labor and material shortages arriving in their wake likely to affect everything in the Valley from home building to freeways and area quality-of-life projects.

Construction prices for materials, such as concrete, steel, lumber and labor are already going up due to shortages in these areas, and the trend is expected to continue. Homebuilders say they are already nervous that soaring home prices (up nearly 30 percent this year) may deter potential buyers. More...