Construction spending rose modestly in January from year-earlier levels despite retreating from a six-year high in December, according to a release from the Associated General Contractors of America. Construction spending in January totaled $971 billion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, 1.1 percent lower than in December but 1.8 percent higher than in January 2014. Private residential spending in January climbed 0.6 percent from December but slipped 3.4 percent from a year earlier, while private nonresidential spending slid 1.6 percent for the month but rose 4.8 percent year-over-year. Public construction spending decreased 2.6 percent from December and increased 5.1 percent from January 2014.