Construction contracts up sharply for Phila. region

Construction contracts awarded through October in the Philadelphia region were up 54 percent from the same period a year ago, researchers at McGraw Hill Construction reported Tuesday.

Contracts for the 10-month period in 2014 totaled $5.3 billion, the firm said. That figure comprises nearly $3.2 billion in nonresidential contracts - a 63 percent increase from 2013 - and $2.1 billion in single family and multifamily housing - a 42 percent increase, McGraw Hill said.

The numbers represent an 11-county region in Southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. - Reid Kanaley