Markets are volatile, the economy is depressed and Durham County expects its tax revenue to come in below expectations.

So, a financial advisor told the county commissioners this morning, the moment is ripe for almost $250 million worth of construction.

"This could be one of the best times for building we have seen in a very long time," said Doug Carter of DEC Associates, the firm that advises Durham County on handling its money.

Durham County, like towns and counties all over North Carolina, are tightening their belts in the face of an ailing economy. Nevertheless, Durham and the state's other 99 counties have sent Santa Claus letters to Gov.-elect Beverly Perdue in case they can take advantage of some economic-revival program next year.