Author: agcnews

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…

House Democrat Infrastructure Framework: Overview: Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other members of the House Democrat leadership today released a framework for addressing the Nation’s infrastructure needs, calling for an investment of $760 billion over five years. The framework breaks out this investment into specific infrastructure categories but leaves the question of how to pay for the investment unanswered for now. The specific categories are: The framework must now be crafted into legislation before consideration by the House. Surface Transportation: The surface transportation section is Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio’s principles for developing the FAST Act reauthorization bill. While today’s release…

AGC of America and AGC of San Antonio successfully delivered the brand new second edition of AGC’s Project Manager Development Program courses January 20th through the 24th to a sold-out class held at the AGC of San Antonio. Delivery of this course highlights the AGC of San Antonio’s commitment to educating and engaging their members. The updated curriculum directly addresses the core business of General Contractors, Specialty Contractors, and all trade partners. The class consisted of a mix of all three contractor types and everyone benefitted from instruction from AGC chapter instructors from AGC of Wisconsin, AGC of Houston and The Arizona…

On December 18, 2019, the Master Builders’ Association Young Constructors (MBAYC) presented the Mario Lemieux Foundation with their annual donation. The MBAYC also delivered toys to the Austin’s Playroom at AHN West Penn Hospital’s NICU. Over the past few years, MBAYC has begun fundraising throughout the year for the Mario Lemieux Foundation, culminating with their holiday event. The Young Constructors’ Friendsgiving celebration was held on November 21, 2019, at Buckhead Saloon in Station Square. Thanks to the generosity of the sponsors and attendees, the MBAYC was able to present the Mario Lemieux Foundation with a check for $10,500. The Friendsgiving…