Future construction deals increase in January

The total amount of contracts reported in January 2007 for future residential, nonresidential and nonbuilding construction in New Hampshire is higher than a year earlier.

According to McGraw Hill Construction of Lexington, Mass., contracts for future residential construction increased by 4 percent, to $68.8 million, in the first month of 2007, compared to $66.3 million in January 2006.

Contracts for future nonresidential construction increased by 126 percent to $66.6 million for January 2007, up from $29.5 million reported for January 2006.

Contracts for future nonbuilding construction, – including such projects as streets, highways and bridges – increased 19 percent, to $5.6 million in January 2007, compared to $4.7 million for January 2006.

Total construction contracts for January 2007 were up 40 percent of January 2006 to $141 million, compared to January 2006 total of $100.4 million. – TRACIE STONE