AGC Reports Soaring Materials Costs, Supply-Chain Problems + Project Cancelations Continue to Impact Construction Industry

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One year after the pandemic struck, construction firms are experiencing soaring materials costs, widespread supply-chain problems and continuing project deferrals and cancellations, according to a new survey that the Associated General Contractors of America has released. Association officials urged Congress and the Biden administration to take steps to eliminate tariffs on key materials, address shipping backups and boost funding for new infrastructure to help the industry recovery.   “The survey results make it clear that the construction industry faces a variety of challenges that threaten to leave many firms and workers behind, even as some parts of the economy are … Read more

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New Educational Facility to Enhance Ongoing Revitalization Efforts in Pawtucket

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The Pawtucket, Rhode Island School Department has selected Gilbane Building Company to provide construction management at-risk services for the new 93,964-square-foot Henry Winters STEAM Elementary School. Designed by the SLAM Collaborative, the new educational facility will feature three levels and accommodate 643 students in grades pre-kindergarten through fifth. The school will be built on the 2.60-acre site of the old facility, which was demolished in the spring of 2020, and is situated in a thickly settled, urban neighborhood. The Gilbane team has developed strict safety and logistical measures to ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding community, including rerouting large trucks … Read more

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Construction Industry Needs to Hire 430,000+ Craft Professionals in 2021, Says ABC

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In 2021, construction companies will need to hire 430,000 more workers than they employed in 2020, according to an analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released by Associated Builders and Contractors. The analysis also revealed that every $1 billion in extra construction spending generates an average of at least 5,700 construction jobs. “According to forecasts analyzed during the COVID-19 pandemic, an impressive 430,000 more construction workers still need to be hired in 2021 to meet the demand, evidence that the construction industry is powering America’s recovery and economic engine,” said ABC President and CEO Michael Bellaman. “ABC’s annual … Read more

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Building Seismic Safety Council Awards Built Environment Leaders for Public Safety Stewardship

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Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Building Seismic Safety Council, the National Institute of Building Sciences recently recognized the leaders who have provided significant direction to the BSSC mission, contributing to its success. The council has coordinated the efforts of federal agencies, the building industry and thousands of subject matter experts to develop 10 editions of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Recommended Seismic Provisions. These recommendations have served as the foundation of the nation’s seismic standards and model building codes. “Each award recipient dedicated time, hard work and expertise to our organization for the betterment of the nation,” said Lakisha … Read more

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Construction Employment Declines, Severe Weather Compounds Falling Demand for Nonresidential Projects, says AGC

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Construction employment declined by 61,000 in February, while the sector’s unemployment rate soared to 9.6% amid severe winter weather and continuing weakness in new nonresidential projects, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. Association officials urged Congress and the Biden administration to focus on new infrastructure funding, address rising materials prices and avoid disruptive measures like the PRO Act to stem further construction job losses. “The steep decline in construction employment in February continues a downward trend in nonresidential activity that began before the disruptions caused by last month’s freezes and power losses,” … Read more

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