Future construction shows some life

The total dollar amount of future construction contracts in New Hampshire picked up somewhat in September, putting a stop to a troubling downward trend.According to industry information service McGraw Hill Construction, which collects the data, future construction contracts totaled $98.6 million in September — a 9 percent increase from the $90.8 million recorded in September 2010. In August 2011, future contracts totaled $93.3 million.The sector that saw the biggest year-over-year increase was residential construction. In September 2010, future nonresidential construction contracts totaled $38.8 million. This September, they totaled $42.7 million — a 19 percent increase.Future nonbuilding contracts — for roads, bridges and similar projects — also increased year over year, however slightly. In September 2011, they totaled $20.5 million, 6 percent more than the $19.3 million they totaled a year earlier.Future nonresident contracts, however, fell 1 percent from last September, from $35.6 million to $35.3 million.Year to date, total future construction contracts in New Hampshire are 29 percent behind where they were last year. — JEFF FEINGOLD/NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW