UNDATED - There was an increase in new homes built in central Minnesota last year. The Central Minnesota Builders Association's building permit report shows a total of 629 units were permitted in 2016.

There was a total of 316 single-family permits, plus 313 multifamily units. The single family homes are an increase of 74 over 2015 when there were 242 permits. The multifamily units remain steady from the year before.

The CMBA says the new home construction created nearly 1,750 jobs, and had an economic impact on the area of over $127 million.

St. Cloud led the building boom with 101 single-family permits. While Sartell had the highest number of housing units at 208 including 87 single-family homes and one multifamily permit.

The CMBA tracks building permits in 10 area cities: Cold Spring, Foley, Rice, Rockville, St. Augusta, St. Cloud, St. Joseph, Sartell, Sauk Rapids, and Waite Park.

In addition, Benton County also reported 49 new single-family permits with 18 of those issued in Watab Township. Lynden Township issued 11 permits.

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