About 6,000 claims for unemployment insurance because of storm damage have been received by the affected states. Real Estate and Construction Residential real estate markets saw a mild pickup in February. Construction in many areas along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers has been delayed because of flooding. Commercial real estate agents continue to report generally strong markets. In particular, there is increased activity in multi-family housing construction, especially apartment complexes.
Office development is also strong in many areas.
Declines in real estate loans other than home equity lines of credit were responsible for the drop. Agriculture and Natural Resources Early reports from farmers suggest that abnormally cool temperatures have delayed spring planting activities and the emergence of crops already planted in many areas. An early spring freeze has damaged some fruit orchards, as well as some wheat fields in low-lying areas. Certain low-lying fields remain inundated with water because of the flooding that afflicted many parts of the District. To comment on this site, please fill out our feedback form.