Infrastructure contracts up, other construction down

While the total value of contracts signed in April for future construction in New Hampshire presented a mixed picture, there was a significant bright spot – contracts for highways, bridges and other infrastructure.All told, according to data supplied by McGraw-Hill Construction, the total value of construction deals signed in April fell 23 percent, dropping from $138 million in April 2011 to $106.8 million in 2012.The total value of nonresidential deals fell by 33 percent in the month, from $82.6 million in April 2011 to $55 million in 2012.The value of residential projects signed in April fell from $48.6 million in 2011 to $34.2 million, a 30 percent decrease.However the total value of so-called nonbuilding construction increased almost threefold, from $6.7 million a year earlier to $17.5 million in April 2012. Year to date, the value of nonbuilding contracts have followed a similar route, rising from about $101 million through April 2011 to about $274 million through April 2012.The value of total construction contracts year to date, however, are off by 4 percent compared to last year – falling to $496,168,000 from last year’s $515,338,000. – JEFF FEINGOLD/NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW