The state of Colorado's general fund revenue is projected to be $159.6 million higher in the current fiscal year than was forecast in September, the Governor's Office of State Planning and Budgeting said Thursday.

The office also said in its report that Northern Colorado's economy remains "one of the strongest in the state." Growth in retail continues to be among the highest in the state.

Employment also is growing in Northern Colorado, according to the report. The Fort Collins-Loveland and Greeley areas added 7,300 new jobs from January to October.

In the Fort Collins-Loveland area, employment grew 2.3 percent in the first 10 months of the year. Greeley employment increased 1.8 percent.

Meanwhile, livestock production declined 9.6 percent in October over year-ago levels and will probably fall more toward the end of the year, the report says.

Northern Colorado's real estate market continues to improve as the distressed market in Larimer and Weld counties steadily decreases. Sales and prices have increased over last year while inventory remains low but has grown.

New residential construction permits remained strong through September in the metro areas. Single-family permits