Producer Price Index for Construction Materials Up 7.9% for the Year

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The amount contractors pay for a range of key construction materials declined in August, but contractors continue to be squeezed as materials cost increases have outstripped the price of finished buildings over the past year, according to a recent analysis of producer price index figures released by the Associated General Contractors of America. “The disparity between contractors" materials costs and their selling prices threatens to push some firms and their hard-pressed workers out of business,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Contractors just aren"t catching any breaks when it comes to current market conditions.” Simonson noted that the monthly … Read more

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OSHA Forms Partnership to Protect Workers on National Gallery of Art Renovation Project in Washington

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced a strategic partnership with Balfour Beatty’s Washington Division and Smoot Construction Joint Venture to promote workplace safety and health by providing guidance and training to workers involved in the National Gallery of Art renovation project in Washington, D.C. “This partnership reflects our united commitment to ensuring a safe and healthful environment for all workers involved in the National Gallery of Art project,” said Michael Walterschied, director of the agency’s Baltimore Area Office, who attended a ceremony at the site. “We look forward to working with our … Read more

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AGC CEO Releases Statement in Response to President's Jobs Proposal

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The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in support of President Obama's jobs proposal, during a media event in Washington, D.C. with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood: “As the president made clear last night, too many Americans are out of work or underemployed. Nowhere do we see that problem more severely than within the construction industry. Although construction represents only 4.5 percent of the U.S. workforce, construction workers have accounted for over 20 percent of the jobs lost. Today the industry's unemployment rate is 13.5 percent — significantly higher than … Read more

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Alliant Insurance Services Partners with AGC to Support Build America Awards

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Alliant Insurance Services will sponsor the Build America Awards program, the Associated General Contractors of America recently announced. The firm will host this year's awards program, which will recognize the most challenging and successful construction projects of 2011, association officials noted. “Alliant understands that the best way to drive innovation and accomplishment throughout the entire construction community is to highlight the projects among us that amaze and inspire,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. “This means that the greatest aspiration for many in the construction industry will be to win an Alliant Build America Award.” The Alliant … Read more

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Architects, Construction Sector Can Lead U.S. Economic Recovery

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Institute of Architects recently issued a comprehensive look at the built environment's role in economic recovery, highlighting six specific policy steps that will generate jobs and help grow the American economy. The policy document, “The Built Environment's Role in the Recovery,” is being issued on the eve of President Obama's major jobs initiative to be unveiled next Thursday in a speech before a Joint Session of Congress. The AIA white paper was delivered to the White House and to Congressional leadership on both sides of the political aisle. The report notes that the value of … Read more

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