Author: agcnews
When complex challenges meet shared vision, true collaboration can reshape both landscapes and relationships. That spirit of partnership defined the award-winning project at Vigor Shipyards, where owner and contractor Orion Marine worked hand-in-hand to rebuild essential waterfront infrastructure, while creating a thriving new aquatic habitat for migrating salmon. The team dedicated roughly 10% of the shipyard area to the creation of a 2.5-acre estuary, a bold move that required demolishing piers, extracting creosote pilings, and restoring the shoreline. Rather than sending dredged materials offsite, the project team innovated by reusing them on location an environmentally conscious approach that demanded careful…
The deadline to apply for an AGC Awards program is quickly approaching—but it’s not too late! These prestigious awards honor AGC member firms that deliver the nation’s most impressive construction projects across building, highway and transportation, utility infrastructure, and federal and heavy divisions. Don’t miss your chance to be recognized on a national stage for your team’s hard work and exceptional achievements—apply now for the 2026 Baldwin Group Build America Award, Marvin M. Black Excellence in Partnering & Collaboration Award and the AGC in the Community Award.
A small, woman-owned business in Alaska has been honored with a prestigious Build America Award for its work restoring the Native village of Wales, located just 52 miles from Russia across the Bering Strait. ChemTrack Alaska, Inc. tackled the demolition of deteriorating World War II–era buildings that contained asbestos and lead-based paint, posing significant risks to families in the community. The team not only removed hazardous materials but also transported debris across rugged mountain terrain to ensure safe disposal. The project held deep meaning for residents. The contaminated site sat near a Native burial ground and blocked views of the…
The project involved removing more than 32,000 cubic yards of sediment deposited by storm runoff into Capital Lake. Located directly behind the Governor’s Mansion and in the heart of the state capital during legislative session, the project presented unique technical and logistical challenges. Innovation in Environmental Construction Initially evaluated as a hydraulic dredging project, Morris Inc. quickly determined that approach would spread pollutants, including ammonia and E. coli, downstream into Capitol Creek and the Missouri River. Instead, the team engineered an alternative solution, using an amphibious excavator and barge system to safely and effectively remove the sediment. Delivering Impact for…
For the first time since 2021, fewer than half of the nation’s metro areas added construction jobs between August 2024 and August 2025, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted that many private-sector developers appear to be putting projects on hold amid rising prices caused by tariffs, workforce shortages and higher interest rates. “Construction employment has stalled or retreated in more and more areas as owners pull back on projects in the face of higher costs,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Workforce shortages, tariffs and higher…
What does it take to build two homes in just five days? For Hubbell Construction Services, it required months of preparation, round-the-clock teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to community. AGC of America’s ConstructorCast podcast highlights this incredible story in its latest episode, Extreme Impact. Guests Claire Brehmer and Casey Port of Hubbell Construction Services share how their team and trade partners came together for the 2024 Homes for Hope Extreme Build. The project, completed in partnership with On With Life, provides housing for families of brain injury recovery patients at no cost. The conversation explores the vision behind Hubbell’s Extreme…
The Associated General Contractors of America’s chief executive officer, Jeffrey D. Shoaf, issued the following statement urging Congress to pass the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement that was introduced today by Pennsylvania Congressman Lloyd Smucker. The measure establishes the first-ever visa program to provide a lawful pathway for people to enter the construction industry. “In a survey our association and NCCER released last month, contractors listed workforce shortages as the number one cause of delayed construction projects. In fact, 92 percent of construction firms report they are having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to hire. Congressman Smucker’s legislation…
Construction employment increased in 28 states and the District of Columbia in August from a year earlier, while only 19 states added construction jobs between July and August, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America today. Association officials noted that a recent workforce survey the association released found contractors in many states are struggling to fill open positions amid workforce shortages. “Most firms are struggling to find enough workers to hire amid persistent labor shortages,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “These labor shortages are the number one cause…
There’s still time to showcase your company’s accomplishments! We encourage all AGC member firms in good standing who meet the competition requirements to apply online and gain the recognition your outstanding projects deserve. Don’t miss this opportunity to be honored on a national stage—apply now for the 2026 Baldwin Group Build America Award, Marvin M. Black Excellence in Partnering & Collaboration Award and the AGC in the Community Award.
The producer price index for materials and services used in nonresidential construction rose 0.2 percent in August and 2.5 percent from August 2024, driven by extreme increases in steel and aluminum prices, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials noted a survey the association and NCCER recently released found rising costs were one of the key reasons for delayed, canceled, or scaled-back projects. “The huge increases in steel and aluminum tariffs appears to have enabled domestic producers to push up their selling prices,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. He…