Commerce Dept. says construction spending declines 1.3% on monthly basis but climbs 1.6% vs. June 2016.

January 9.4% rate up from year-earlier 8.5%, first year-over-year increase in more than six years.

Industry economists note that Nov. $1.18-trillion rate was highest since 2006; nonresidential sector's level strongest in eight years.

November 5.7% rate is even with October's and improved from November 2015's 6.2%.

Census Bureau reports October spending up a slight 0.5% from September but rose 3.4% from October 2015.