Construction drops to 2009 levels

McCOOK, Nebraska -- McCook area construction project costs for 2012 totaled just over $16 million, well shy of the $29 million mark reached the previous two years.

The bulk of the decrease can be traced to no activity in the school and public building category, which racked up more than $11 million in 2011.

Many of the permits for construction work completed in 2012 were issued in 2011.

2011 area construction activity was driven by an interior remodel at Hillcrest Nursing Home, construction of the new Municipal Facility and construction of the McCook Community College Events Center. 2010 construction activity was driven by commercial remodel projects such as the Community Hospital addition, the KRD Federal Credit Union conversion of a restaurant into a bank and the removal of gas tanks at Lee Janssen, to name a few.

City revenue from permit fees managed a slight increase when compared to prior year, despite the overall decrease in construction activity.

Total project costs Jan-Dec, 2012 : $16,718,521

Total project costs Jan-Dec, 2011 : $29,097,847

Total project costs Jan-Dec, 2010 : $29,450,376

Total project costs Jan-Dec, 2009 : $15,433,493

Total permit fees received Jan-Dec, 2012 : $49,726

Total permit fees received Jan-Dec, 2011 : $49,074

Total permit fees received Jan-Dec, 2010 : $60,950

Total permit fees received Jan-Dec, 2009 : $41,643