Author: agcnews

Future of “Significant Nexus” Test Remains Unclear” This week the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that looks at the core of what are “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA). AGC filed a joint “friend-of-the-court” brief in this case, Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, because the demarcation of WOTUS determines when construction work in or around waters require federal permits. The federal agencies have elevated the concept of “significant nexus” mentioned by a single Justice in a prior case as the favored test to determine jurisdiction over a water based on its relationship with…

In this powerful video on racism in the construction industry, a project manager, shares her journey of navigating a field where she has often been the only person of color. Reflecting on her experiences, she describes the isolation and microaggressions she has faced, including being questioned about her abilities in ways that her white colleagues would not be. Despite these challenges, she remains determined to push for change and ensure that qualified individuals of all backgrounds have opportunities for advancement. A senior project coordinator, also weighs in, emphasizing the importance of allies and creating a supportive work environment. Both women…

In this powerful video, industry professionals shed light on the persistent issue of sexism in the construction industry. Ali Spray, Community Empower Manager, shares her journey of overcoming gender biases and proving her worth as a civil engineer despite being told it wasn’t a job for women. Her determination to succeed fueled her passion to represent and advocate for women, particularly Latina women, in the field. Alyssa Wilson, Assistant Project Manager, recounts the challenges of being the only female project engineer and the constant need to prove her competence in a male-dominated industry. The video underscores the importance of inclusivity…

Grappling with the maze of marijuana laws and your company policy? On this episode, Bill Judge of Drug Screening Compliance Institute talks about considerations for employers to create and enforce drug-testing policies that are consistent with the laws in all of the states in which they operate – as well as best practices for addressing safety-sensitive roles. Guest:William J. Judge, JD, LL.M.Drug Screening Compliance Institutebjudge@drugscreeningci.comwww.askbilljudge.com Resources:At the federal level, marijuana is listed as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Many federal contractors and all federal grantees are required by law to establish and maintain a drug-free workplace policy. In…

Total construction spending declined by 0.7 percent in August as spending on new houses turned sharply lower, while public and private nonresidential construction posted mixed results, according to an analysis the Associated General Contractors of America released today of federal spending data. Association officials said that rising interest rates were hurting demand for housing and many private-sector projects while the impacts of new federal funding for infrastructure, semiconductor plants and green energy facilities have yet to fully kick in. “The construction market is in a transition that is likely to accelerate in the months ahead,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief…

Total construction spending increased by 0.2 percent for the month of September and by 10.9 percent for the year as nonresidential construction activity now outpaces residential construction, according to an analysis the Associated General Contractors of America released today of federal spending data. Association officials noted that gains in public sector transportation construction have lagged other fast-growing segments as officials grapple with Buy America and other new regulatory requirements. “Demand remains strong for a range of nonresidential construction segments despite supply chain challenges and rising interest rates,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “But transportation infrastructure investments…

Grappling with the maze of marijuana laws and your company policy? On this episode, Bill Judge of Drug Screening Compliance Institute talks about considerations for employers to create and enforce drug-testing policies that are consistent with the laws in all of the states in which they operate – as well as best practices for addressing safety-sensitive roles. Guest:William J. Judge, JD, LL.M.Drug Screening Compliance Institutebjudge@drugscreeningci.comwww.askbilljudge.com Resources:At the federal level, marijuana is listed as a Schedule I drug (www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling) under the Controlled Substances Act. Many federal contractors and all federal grantees are required by law to establish and maintain a drug-free…

AGC goes to the U.S. Supreme Court to defend the practice of pre-bid interaction between public owners and contactors that ultimately leads to better RFPs and projects. AGC of America, with support from AGC of New York State, filed an amicus brief at the U.S. Supreme Court on September 6 to protect the legal and recommended practice of pre-bid interactions between contractors and public owners, prior to a formal solicitation or request for proposals (RFP). The case involves a criminal conviction based on the “right to control” legal theory of fraud where a contractor provided significant input pre-bid for development projects in…

Grappling with the maze of marijuana laws and your company policy? On this episode, Bill Judge of Drug Screening Compliance Institute talks about considerations for employers to create and enforce drug-testing policies that are consistent with the laws in all of the states in which they operate – as well as best practices for addressing safety-sensitive roles.Guest:William J. Judge, JD, LL.M.Drug Screening Compliance Institutebjudge@drugscreeningci.comwww.askbilljudge.com Resources:At the federal level, marijuana is listed as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Many federal contractors and all federal grantees are required by law to establish and maintain a drug-free workplace policy. In addition, some…

Construction employment increased in 246 or 69 percent of 358 metro areas between August 2021 and August 2022, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. But association officials noted the job gains likely would have been higher if firms could find more qualified people to hire and train. “While roughly two-thirds of metro areas added construction jobs in the past year, the number would be still higher if contractors could find enough qualified workers,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “The record number of construction job openings and ultra-low unemployment rate for workers…