Stimulus Helps Construction Spending Post Small Gain In June But Pain Continues For Other Contractors, Association Says

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Total construction spending eked out a small rise in June as gains in stimulus-aided public categories offset decreases in homebuilding and private nonresidential spending, the Associated General Contractors of America said today in an analysis of new Census Bureau data. “Stimulus dollars are supporting construction jobs, but the pain is continuing for most contractors and their workers who depend on private projects or school construction,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. Simonson noted that total construction spending inched up 0.1 percent in June at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, buoyed by a 1.5 percent increase in public construction, which … Read more

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iPad Helps in Construction of Hospital

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The NoliWhite Group Launches PI2 Initiative at Pilot Site in Thomasville, GA NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The NoliWhite Group, Brentwood-based healthcare facility developers, launched an innovative process that will incorporate the use of Apple's iPad on hospital and other healthcare-related construction sites, officials announced today. The initiative, Project Information Integration, or PI2, is being piloted on the construction of John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital's new North Tower in Thomasville, GA. “I don"t own a computer or have an email address, but the iPad is changing the way I do my work and for the better. It just makes everything so easy … Read more

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McCarthy Joins Governor Schwarzenegger to Launch Work on $3.3B March LifeCare City

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Thousands of jobs and long term healthcare to be created RIVERSIDE, CA — McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., one of the premier hospital builders in the U.S., joined California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in a public ceremony on July 27, 2010 to start work on America’s first “Health and Wellness City” at the former March Air Reserve Base in Southern California. Named “March LifeCare Campus” www.marchlifecare.com the 10-year, $3.3 billion construction project will become a unique “city” encompassing 246 acres, housing some six million square feet of health related structures including: a hospital, medical office buildings, retail, a hotel, a continuing care … Read more

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OSHA Publishes Final Rule on Cranes and Derricks in Construction

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced that it is issuing a new rule addressing the use of cranes and derricks in construction, which will replace a decades-old standard.   Approximately 267,000 construction, crane rental and crane certification establishments employing about 4.8 million workers will be affected by the rule published today. “The significant number of fatalities associated with the use of cranes in construction led the Labor Department to undertake this rulemaking,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.   “After years of extensive research, consultation and negotiation with industry experts, this … Read more

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New Connector Eases Valley Truss Installation, Increases Uplift Capacity

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Pleasanton, Calif. — Erecting or retrofitting valley trusses just got faster and easier for roof framers and truss installers with the introduction the Simpson Strong-Tie VTCR valley truss connector. Installed on top of roof sheathing, or directly to the framing below, this single-sided valley truss clip eliminates the need to add a support wedge under the valley truss or to bevel the bottom chord to match the supporting roof pitch. The VTCR connector installs after the valley truss has been set, a time-saving benefit for new construction as well as for retrofits in high-wind areas. The connector conveniently installs from … Read more

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