New system changes building totals

Tracking construction contract values show conflicting results in statewide highway and building projects so far this year.

Facilities construction through September currently trails figures for the same period last year. Alaska recorded $196.3 million in contracts awarded through last month,

"When you look at it, it's down according to those numbers," said Dick Cattanach, executive director of Associated General Contractors of Alaska Inc.

A different report shows a leap in an Alaska construction category ranging from highways and bridges to airports, and missile and space facilities, like work at Interior Alaska's missile defense project, The category lists construction contract awards at $586.3 million through August, up from $310.6 million for the same period in 2001.

The report is compiled by New York City-based McGraw-Hill Construction's Dodge Analytics unit.

AGC compiles the figures based on data from The Plans Room LLC, he said. The Plans Room, owned and operated by Alaskans, tracks and sells construction project bid information for the building industry.