Author: agcnews

Only one-fifth of federal investments in postsecondary education support workforce development for fields like construction and manufacturing, while the rest of the money goes to “traditional” degree programs according to a new report on federal workforce funding levels released today. The report, which was produced by the Progressive Policy Institute, the Associated General Contractors of America and Procore, notes that this funding gap is making it hard for many employers to find qualified workers to hire. “If the U.S. does not act now to ensure the nation’s workforce is prepared for open job opportunities, more Americans will be unqualified for work and…

The construction industry added 21,000 jobs in May and 251,000 jobs over the past year, with increases at both nonresidential and residential construction firms, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials noted that nonresidential contractors report continuing difficulty filling positions despite the job gains, and they urged government officials to boost support for career development and allow more employment-based immigration. “Construction firms have been adding workers at a faster clip than most sectors,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But contractors say they are still having trouble finding enough skilled…

Total construction spending inched down from March to April with declines in public projects and a mixed pattern among private residential and nonresidential categories, according to an analysis of a new government report that the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials noted that construction spending levels remain well above where they were a year ago and that most firms continue to struggle to find enough qualified workers to hire. “Overall spending slipped despite upturns in manufacturing and power construction and a slight pickup in single-family homebuilding,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Most public segments continued…

Hosted by the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA), with support from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the goal of the annual Trench Safety Stand Down (TSSD) is to reach out to the many workers who work in and around trenches and excavations to provide them with information about current excavation requirements and safety procedures for working in trenches. To access all the resources you need to plan your event, visit the NUCA TSSD webpage. Below is a roundup of AGC and other resources related to trenching and excavation safety. For more information, please contact Nazia Shah at nazia.shah@agc.org.

On May 10, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) issued a memorandum titled Interim Guidance for Worker Walkaround Representative Designation Process. The memorandum provides interim guidance for implementing the Worker Walkaround Representative Designation Process final rule (“Walkaround rule”), which was published on April 1, 2024, and went into effect on May 31, 2024. This rule clarifies that employee representatives during OSHA inspections can include third-party individuals if deemed necessary by Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs). Key points include: Field staff were directed to familiarize themselves with the rule’s FAQs and the preamble to address questions from employers and employees effectively. For additional information…

Earlier this year, AGC of America filed a coalition amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court, supporting a water utility sector’s request for the Court to clarify whether Clean Water Act (CWA) NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permits can include generic prohibitions. AGC members have noted these generic prohibitions in permits nationwide. This language does not provide a compliance path for permittees and exposes them to enforcement, criminal penalties, and citizen suits for activities that conform to the permit. On May 28, the Court issued an order granting certiorari, meaning it will hear the case. The Feb. 12th coalition amicus brief urged…

On May 17, AGC and its coalition peers responded to a recent White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) request for feedback on methods and practices for advancing public participation and community engagement (PPCE). The comments urge the agency to recognize the importance of engagement with the regulated community, enhance participation and accessibility, and improve transparency. According to OMB, the agency is working to develop a government-wide framework, common guidelines, and leading practices for PPCE and requested recommendations on methods, approaches, and available tools. In addition to highlighting the need for the federal government to include the regulated community in these efforts, the…

In this episode of ConstructorCast, host Max Nelson is joined by key members of the carbon reduction taskforce Myrrh Caplan from Skanska USA, Joe Rozza from Ryan Companies, and AGC’s own Melinda Tomaino. They delve into the creation and significance of the AGC Decarbonization Playbook, discussing its formation, key drivers, content, and expected outcomes. Learn about the collaborative efforts behind the playbook, the challenges and solutions in carbon reporting, and the future of decarbonization in the construction industry. Guests:Myrrh Caplan | National Vice President – Sustainability | Skanskawww.skanska.com Joe Rozza | Chief Sustainability Officer | Ryan Companieswww.ryancompanies.com Melinda Tomaino |…

Construction employment rose in 218, or 61 percent, of 358 metro areas between April 2023 and April 2024, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted that construction employment is growing in fewer metro areas than earlier this year, but said demand remains strong enough in much of the country that many contractors continue to struggle to find enough workers. “Job gains were less widespread in the latest 12 months than earlier in 2024 as homebuilders and developers throttled back,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “However, with demand surging for…

On May 22, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works passed the AGC-backed Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA 2024). The bipartisan WRDA 2024 bill will help ensure that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Civil Works Program is appropriately responsive to the water resources needs identified by local communities. Specifically, the bill authorizes 81 feasibility studies and the construction of 8 new or modified projects. WRDA 2024 invests in our harbors and inland waterways, which helps to ensure construction materials make it to the jobsite in a timely manner. The water infrastructure bill permanently adjusts the inland waterways…