TEMPE, Ariz. – The Northwest Light Rail Extension was recently honored with two 2017 Alliant Build America Awards during the Associated General Contractors of America Annual Convention. The awards honor AGC members who build the nation’s most impressive construction projects ranging across the building, highway and transportation, utility infrastructure and federal and heavy divisions. The Northwest Extension was honored in the New Highway and Transportation category and in the Marvin M. Black Partnering Excellence category. Sundt/Stacy and Witbeck, a joint venture of Sundt Construction, Inc., and Stacy and Witbeck, completed the 3.2-mile extension to the Valley Metro light rail system … Read more
Construction Employment Increases by 6,000 Jobs in March
Construction employment increased by 6,000 jobs in March as a February hiring surge prompted by mild winter weather in much of the country prompted firms to hire fewer people last month, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said declining public-sector investments in construction and infrastructure could impact future construction hiring unless the administration and Congress enact a new funding measure. “Construction firms continued to add jobs over the past year at a higher rate than the overall economy,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “The small job gain … Read more
Construction Material Costs in March Outpace Contractor Pricing
Double-digit price increases for key construction materials pushed up construction costs in March, while the prices charged by contractors remained moderate, according to a new analysis of federal producer price data released by Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials urged policymakers to avoid adopting restrictions on international trade that would add to materials costs and potentially drive up the price of infrastructure, buildings and new homes and apartments. “Prices have jumped in recent months for diesel fuel, steel, copper, wallboard and lumber—materials essential for houses, nonresidential buildings and infrastructure projects,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Contractors generally … Read more
PC Construction Wins AGC Highest Honor
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – PC Construction has received one of the Associated General Contractors of America’s highest honors—an Alliant Build America Award in the construction management renovation category—for its work to rebuild the Waterbury State Office Complex in Waterbury, Vermont. PC Construction leaders and members of the project’s construction team accepted the award at AGC’s 98th Annual Convention. This is the third Alliant Build America Award PC Construction has received. When Tropical Storm Irene hit Vermont in late-August 2011, it caused millions of dollars in damage to roads, bridges, buildings and land. More than 3,500 homes and businesses were impacted … Read more
Construction Employment Increases in 43 States in Last 12 Months
Forty-three states added construction jobs between February 2016 and February 2017 while 39 states added construction jobs between January and February, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data recently released. Association officials noted that the despite the relatively widespread increase in construction employment, most states are still significantly below peak construction employment levels. “A combination of solid demand and unseasonably mild weather added to construction employment in more states than usual in February,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the association. “But conditions vary widely. Five states set new records for construction … Read more