When the sawdust smoke from the building trades industry cleared, 2002 had been a very good year for contractors.

According to the Austin public works department, 2,312 permits were issued in 2002 for an estimated construction value of $33,591,157.

The breakdown includes 1,103 building permits, $29,198,398; 32 excavation permits, $46,119; 493 heating permits, $2,552,430; 404 plumbing permits, $1,434,874; and 258 zoning permits, $359,335, plus 22 moving permits.

There were 62 commercial addition, alteration and repair permits issued last year in Austin for an estimated construction value of $4,526,628.

In addition, there were 173 residential addition, alteration and repair permits for an estimated construction value of $1,300,614.

There were 61 new single-family housing starts in 2002, representing an estimated construction value of $7,462,075.

The year ended with 90 more permits issued in December 2002 for $2,385,831.

Four more commercial addition, alteration or repair permits were issued last month for $343,000 estimated construction value of the projects.

Wagner Construction Company, Inc. was issued a permit for construction of a new Mower County Fairgrounds building.

The estimated $1,477,000 project is a new agricultural history display building going up behind the Mower County Historical Center.

Seven residential alteration, addition or repair project permits were issued for an estimated construction value of $23,700.

Two new single-family residential permits were issued in December 2002 for Orchard Properties, Inc. at 1002 27th St. SW and Bruce and Jaye Adams at 1905 21st St. SW.

Todd J. Martin Construction is putting up the 27th Street SW residence ($119,000). Bigelow Enterprises is putting up the 21st Street SW residence ($78,000).

In all, 40 building permits were issued in December 2002 for an estimated 27 construction value of $2,173,481.

Mechanical contractors capped the year with 17 residential air conditional permits for an estimated construction value of $48,440.

Seven more residential fireplace permits were issued for an estimated construction value of $17,442.

In all, 31 heating permits of all kinds were issued in December 2002 for an estimated construction value of $1,48,782.

Eight more residential water heater permits for an estimated $3,718 helped pushed the plumbers' total higher in December 2002.

There were 14 total plumbing permits issued in the 31-day period for an estimated $52,668.

Jon W. Erichson is the city's director of public works and city engineer. Within the department is Craig Hoium's community planning director and zoning division. Ron Ripley and Doug Mauer are city building officials.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com