SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota's largest city is finishing the year with the second-largest building-permit valuations in its history, thanks to a Christmas Eve building permit issued for the events center under construction in Sioux Falls.

Chief Building Official Ron Bell says in a news release that the city approved a $63 million permit for the structural steel and enclosure package for the center. It was requested by Mortenson Construction on Monday.

Its approval brings the city's total construction valuation to more than $489 million - still short of the 2007 record of $523 record, but 68 percent ahead of last year's figure.

The tally refers to the permitted amount of valuation for all commercial and residential new buildings, additions, repairs, remodels and renovation projects.

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