By Tribune staff

It isn&8217;t often that the total amount for county-issued building permits is larger than the amount listed for Albert Lea. However, this has happened in March.

The latest report from the Freeborn County Planning and Zoning Office shows 18 building permits being issued in March with a listed valuation of $804,374. This increases the estimated total valuation to $1,102,826 for the first three months of the year.

A permit with a valuation of $279,000 has been issued to Northwood Coop for the construction of grain bins in London.

Another permit with a valuation of $140,000 has been issued to Agra Resources Coop, rural Albert Lea, for an office addition.

Permits were also issued by the county for the construction of a new home and also a home addition in March.

The latest report from the City of Albert Lea Inspection Department lists 25 building permits with a valuation of $558,575 as being issued in March. This increases the total valuation for permits during the first three months of the year to $2,809,250.32

At the end of March 2006 the city&8217;s report shows a valuation of $2,826,201 for building permits issued.

A permit with a valuation of $223,000 has been issued to Wal-Mart, 1550 Blake Ave., for what the report lists as &8220;bathroom remodel.&8217;

A permit has also been issued in March for the construction of a new home on Paradise Road in Tiger Hills.