Author: agcnews
The $1.2 trillion bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA) included the “Build America, Buy America Act” which applies a domestic preference to all taxpayer-funded infrastructure projects. The Office of Management and Budget released new guidance on these rules on April 18th, 2022. The new guidelines are meant to assist federal agencies in the application of “Buy America” requirements and the waiver processes for all federally funded infrastructure projects and not just those funded by the IIJA. The requirements are currently set to be in effect starting May 14th. Domestic sourcing requirements as stated in the guidance are: Waivers can be issued under…
Construction employment increased in three-fourths of U.S. metro areas between March 2021 and March 2022, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted that labor shortages likely kept many firms from adding even more workers during the past year. “It is heartening to see construction employment come back from the depths of pandemic-induced job losses in most areas,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But the skyrocketing number of job openings shows the industry needs far more workers than are available in many parts of the country.” Read more.
Thu, 04/21/2022 – 09:43 In this episode, we cover the steps the Biden Administration has taken related to construction and the environment. AGC’s Director of Environmental Services Melinda Tomaino walks you through the environmental highlights and headlines on WOTUS (waters of the United States), species-related issues, climate change policy developments and implications for projects, and environmental review and approvals. Find out how AGC is making timely decisions and setting priorities, the important role AGC plays in policymaking, and how you can get involved. Listen now:
Video Includes Details of association’s new climate change toolkit A new video from AGC provides an in-depth look at AGC’s efforts to ensure the industry plays a lead role in shaping climate change policies that impact construction and help build a greener future. The video explores how three AGC task forces have been meeting as part of this effort to: identify technology advances that can improve efficiency; explore ways to build safe and healthy communities; and understand the impacts of climate and climate change policies to the supply chain. The video also includes details about AGC’s new Climate Change Toolkit which we built to…
The James L. Allhands Essay was established by the late James L. Allhands, one of the founding members of AGC and a prolific writer of construction related works. The award recognizes a student essay on a specific topic that is deemed to be beneficial to the advancement of technological, educational, or vocational expertise in the construction industry. The competition is open to any senior–level student in a four or five–year ABET or ACCE–accredited university construction management or construction–related engineering program. The First Place essay author receives $1,000. His/her faculty sponsor receives $500. Both the recipient and sponsor are invited as…
The Associated General Contractors of America and Procore Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: PCOR), a leading global provider of construction management software, announced today they have met their initial fundraising goal of $500,000 for a new scholarship to support minority students studying construction at the nation’s Historically Black Colleges & Universities, or HBCUs for short. Students will begin receiving the scholarship starting in the 2022-23 school year. “Our members understand and appreciate the wisdom of investing in a more diverse and inclusive future,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “By meeting the initial fundraising challenge for this new scholarship,…
In this episode, we cover the steps the Biden Administration has taken related to construction and the environment. AGC’s Director of Environmental Services Melinda Tomaino walks you through the environmental highlights and headlines on WOTUS (waters of the United States), species-related issues, climate change policy developments and implications for projects, and environmental review and approvals. Find out how AGC is making timely decisions and setting priorities, the important role AGC plays in policymaking, and how you can get involved. Show Notes: Guest:Melinda TomainoDirector, Environmental Servicesmelinda.tomaino@agc.org@AGCEnvironment More Information:There are a few forums available for you to get involved –• Attend AGC…
AGC filed a joint April 18 “friend-of-the-court” brief in the case Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency at the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court will take a fresh look at what are “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA), which may limit federal agencies’ permitting and enforcement authority over construction work in isolated wetlands and ephemeral streams. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) will need to factor the Court’s decision into their planned WOTUS rulemakings. AGC’s brief asks the Court to clarify the outer bounds of federal CWA authority by revisiting its fractured 4-1-4 ruling in Rapanos…
The history of the consulting contractor and their impact on this country and around world stands as a testament to the valued and unparalleled expertise which individuals have brought to the construction community. The purpose of the Council is to recognize those in our industry who have made significant contributions to the quality and professionalism associated with commercial construction professionals. Many in the industry have risen to prominence from small companies, while still others made their way in some of this country’s largest construction businesses. Yet today, and despite their chosen paths, each maintains an emphasis on quality of deliverables…
Construction Official Says New Guidance will Undermine New Bipartisan Infrastructure Measure’s Benefits, Adds the Kind of Red Tape that Betrays Americans’ Confidence in Federal Spending The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in reaction to the release today of new Buy America guidance from the Biden administration for projects being funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: “AGC of America supports sensible efforts to effectively incentivize the growth of America’s domestic manufacturing capacity. Instead, the Biden administration is doubling down on failed procurement policies with its new Buy America mandate.…