Moses Lake building activity down

MOSES LAKE - The City of Moses Lake has seen a marked decrease in building activity so far this year when compared to the past two, according to a report issued last week.

City Manager Joe Gavinski told city council members there have been 94 building permits generated in the city from the start of 2012 through the month of April, which is about 16 fewer than in 2011 and 19 fewer than 2010.

The estimated valuation of those building projects are far below last year's amounts, according to the report. Just more than $3 million has been generated so far in 2012, while last year at this time projects had reached about $10.8 million in estimated value. In 2010, projects through April reached $7.3 million.

"I wish I could provide you with better news but it is what it is," Gavinski said. "It shows building activity is very slow and it hasn't met last year's numbers and is far away from 2010. Of course, one big building project could help that out, but we're getting close to the middle of the year and we aren't seeing that."