Future contracts for commercial construction projects in Lewiston-Auburn lifted the overall construction outlook in the area through March this year compared to the same period last year, according to a monthly report issued by New York City-based McGraw-Hill Construction.

More than $18 million in commercial contracts have been signed so far this year compared to around $5 million last year, offsetting a more than 50 percent drop in residential building contracts through March this year.

Residential contracts so far in 2003 totaled around $7.9 million compared to $16.7 million in 2002. Fewer building contracts were inked just in March also.

That figure dropped from $11.7 million in 2002 to $3.5 million this year.

Total building contracts are up more than 20 percent this year from $21.8 million to $26.4 million, according to the report, which is part of the Dodge Reports and Sweet Catolog Files.

The report considers commercial, manufacturing, educational, religious, administrative, recreational, hotel and dormitories nonresidential projects.

Residential buildings include one-and two-family houses and apartments.