Construction comeback seen

The US construction, industry, despite poor performances in 1980, is expected make something of a comeback next year with an estimated increase in total financial contracts of 26 percent over 1980. This information, released recently by the chief economist of McGraw-Hill Information Systems Inc., includes weighting for inflationary trends.

Total 1981 construction figures in the US are programmed to reach $176 billion against this year's estimate of $140 billion. Over half of the estimated 1981 total is expected to come from new residential construction while 30 percent has been allocated to nonresidential efforts. Another 19 percent of the 1981 industry figures is being estimated to come from public works and utility company expansion.