AIA Releases 2010 Consensus Construction Forecast

2010 shows declines;   Modest increase in spending possible by 2011 Washington, D.C. — January 6, 2010 — Despite signs that the overall U.S. economy is beginning to improve, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by 13.4 percent in 2010 with a marginal increase of 1.8 percent in 2011 in inflation adjusted terms. Commercial and industrial projects will continue to see the most significant decrease in activity. Thanks, in part, to federal stimulus spending, institutional building categories will fare better over this period. These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey … Read more

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New Construction Employment and Spending Numbers Released

Construction Employment Down 36 Percent in El Centro, Calif., Up 12 Percent in Harrisburg, Pa., As Construction Spending Drops 13.2 Percent Compared to Last Year Construction employment declined in 324 out of 337 metropolitan areas over the past year as spending on construction projects dropped by over $137 billion in November to a 6-year low of $900 billion, according to a new analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of federal figures released today. “Private nonresidential construction is in freefall, with every category except private power construction down sharply compared to a year ago,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s … Read more

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AUI Contractors Wins Two TEXO Safety Excellence Awards

Focus on Safety by Fast-Growing Construction Firm Pays Off Fort Worth, Texas — Because of its extraordinary focus on safety, AUI Contractors of Fort Worth recently received two significant TEXO safety awards, the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Construction Safety Excellence Award (Heavy Division: 300,001-700,000) and a Platinum Recipient Award in the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. STEP (Safety Training and Evaluation Process) program. TEXO is the largest commercial contractors association in Texas and one of the largest affiliated with the national Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) and The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). With over 1,900 members, the … Read more

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26 States Add Construction Jobs During Unusually Mild November, but only North Dakota Sees Annual Increase

Too Early to Know if Trend is Emerging As Kansas and Nebraska See Largest Increase; Vermont and Washington See Largest Decrease in Monthly Construction Employment Construction employment increased in 26 states this November during a period of warm, dry weather according to an analysis of new employment data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The analysis conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America, however, found construction employment decreased everywhere except North Dakota over the past 12 months. “It is too early to say if the pickup reflects improving economic conditions or a short-lived break in the weather,” … Read more

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GBCI, VA Help Veterans and Families Pay for LEED Exams

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in accordance with the G.I. Bill, has agreed to reimburse Veterans, eligible dependents and reservists for the cost of any of the LEED Professional Examsâ„¢ administered by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).   “We are honored to be a part of the VA's aggressive effort to help Veterans gain the skills and credentials required for full participation in the new, green economy,” said Peter Templeton, President, GBCI. “For those veterans who are pursuing a career in green building or a related field, this support for attaining LEED credentials can … Read more

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