Washington’s economic recovery has slowed since March after fairly strong growth in the early part of the year, according to state figures.
Revenue collections over the last month came in 4% below the March forecast, according to a report Monday from the state’s Economic and Revenue Forecast Council.
“The weakness evident in the first-quarter data appears to have extended into the second quarter as well,” the council said Monday. “However, headwinds are likely to recede in the second half of the year, and growth should pick up then.”
Washington’s employment also grew slightly less than expected in the two months since a March forecast, adding 8,800 jobs in March and April. The state had expected to add 10,000 jobs over the period. The council said aerospace and software industries are expanding, but construction is mired in a long slump.
The housing sector in the state remains weak. New home construction slumped in the first quarter compared to the fourth quarter in 2010.
