The number of new private home construction projects rose by 22 percent last month as compared with January. But they fell by 47 percent as compared with one year ago.

The number of building permits issued increased by 3 percent compared with January. But they fell by 44 percent since February 2008.

The U.S. Census and Department of Housing and Urban Development released these statistics this morning.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose on the news this morning.

March 17, 2009.