A rise in new construction contracts was forecast.

Dodge-Sweet’s Construction Outlook, published by McGraw-Hill, reported that the value of those new construction contracts likely will rise to a record $222 billion in 1985. The industry research group also forecast that housing will lead the increase with construction contracts totaling $107.6 billion, up 7% from 1984. The value of non-residential building contracts was projected to rise 4% to $76.4 billion and non-building construction--which includes public works projects--to climb 7% to $38.2 billion, the company said.