Author: agcnews

Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas and Kansas City Have Largest Gains; New York City and Fairbanks, Alaska Lag the Most as Labor Shortages Likely Kept Firms in Many Areas from Adding Even More Workers Construction employment grew in 211, or 59 percent, out of 358 metro areas between December 2018 and December 2019, declined in 73 and was unchanged in 74, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that many firms report they are having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to hire, which likely undermined employment gains in some parts of the country. “There are not enough qualified workers in many parts of the country for firms to be able to keep pace with strong demand for work,” said Ken Simonson,…

On Jan. 31, the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OSD) released the final version of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). The Department of Defense (DOD) will begin including the final CMMC model as “go/no go” in all new solicitations starting in late summer/early fall of 2020. On the same day, defense officials held a news conference discussing the final version of CMMC. For further information on this, click “learn more.” The purpose of CMMC is to become the “unified cybersecurity standard” for all DOD contractors, including subcontractors. Under this model, all defense contractors will be required to be certified…

On Jan. 31, AGC, along with AGC of Western Kentucky and Ray Black & Son, led U.S. Representative James Comer of Kentucky on a tour of the $26.2 million construction of the Paducah Innovation Hub. The facility will house several traditional technical center classes including carpentry, welding, and electricity as well as classes in computer-aided design, engineering, and robotics. During the tour, the group spoke about the workforce shortages facing the construction industry and how facilities like the Paducah Innovation Hub will help address these concerns. Specifically, the group noted a 2019 AGC of America survey that found 85 percent…

AGC is preparing comments on a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed update to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) that would clarify when damage to protected birds would result in criminal charges. The Feb. 3 proposal would codify the Trump administration’s Solicitor’s Opinion M-37050 that determined “incidental take” resulting from otherwise lawful action does not violate the Act—and instead would prohibit actions specifically directed at migratory birds, their nests, or their eggs. Currently, construction contractors actively avoid and minimize impacts on migratory birds and implement protective measures outlined by the Service. However, that does not eliminate the risk of severe penalties.…

On Feb. 7, the House is expected to pass AGC-supported legislation providing billions in funding to Puerto Rico for disaster relief and recovery efforts. This bill, spurred by the recent earthquake, will help restore, improve, and build critical infrastructure on the island. In addition, the measure will provide $1.25 billion for the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program—funding that will repair roads and bridges not only in Puerto Rico, but also in states across the country that have been damaged by recent natural disasters and other catastrophic events. For more information, contact Cory Gattie at cory.gattie@agc.org or (202) 547-4685.

Homebuilding Strengthens but Infrastructure and Other Nonresidential Spending Fades in Recent Months, Reversing Pattern in Early 2019; Industry Survey Shows Strong 2020 Demand for Projects and Workers Construction spending decreased 0.2 percent from November to December as declines in public and private nonresidential projects outweighed a large rise in single-family homebuilding, according to a new analysis of federal data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that its recent survey found widespread optimism about prospects for projects available to bid on in 2020 but they urged officials in Washington to follow through on announced plans for infrastructure…

Homebuilding Strengthens but Infrastructure and Other Nonresidential Spending Fades in Recent Months, Reversing Pattern in Early 2019; Industry Survey Shows Strong 2020 Demand for Projects and Workers Construction spending decreased 0.2 percent from November to December as declines in public and private nonresidential projects outweighed a large rise in single-family homebuilding, according to a new analysis of federal data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that its recent survey found widespread optimism about prospects for projects available to bid on in 2020 but they urged officials in Washington to follow through on announced plans for infrastructure…

On Jan. 29, the House Committee on Ways and Means, which has jurisdiction over federal financing tools and revenue raising measures, held a hearing on infrastructure financing options. The hearing ran in conjunction with the House Democrats releasing their framework for a broad infrastructure bill. The committee heard from a broad swath of witnesses who reiterated the need for a long-term federally supported surface transportation bill and stated that demand for bond financing in the private sector and amongst investors far outstripped the supply of available bonds. AGC expects the committee, in the coming months, to produce legislation or guidance…

AGC recently submitted comments to a proposed rulemaking that would establish new transparency requirements on group health plans and health insurers in the individual and group markets. AGC is in favor of increasing transparency for employers and their employees to empower them as health care consumers; however, as markets differ, the approach to transparency for different types of employer-sponsored plans must also differ. AGC agrees that more information is needed to help both employers and employees make informed decisions regarding health care costs. Employers understand the importance of providing plan enrollees with detailed coverage information and tools. Providing information about health coverage and services,…

Save the Date for July 14-16, 2020, in Louisville, KY The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) will hold its 2020 Construction Safety, Health and Environmental Conference at the Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky on July 14-16, 2020. AGC extended the call for presentation proposals specifically on environmental issues as well as those cross-over topics that would appeal to a broader audience of Safety, Health & Environmental professionals. Proposals are due by close of business on February 28, 2020. The conference addresses the most critical environmental issues impacting the business of construction, provides management guidance for professionals, and gives context for other construction…