| March 8, 2013 | News for contractors and the construction industry |
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- San Francisco proposes $25B in capital projects over 10 years
San Francisco's latest capital plan recommends spending $25 billion on capital projects over the next 10 years. The plan, which is expected to create 223,000 new jobs, includes waterfront redevelopment; rehabilitation of the city's water and sewer systems; and completion of the Transbay Center, Central Subway and San Francisco General Hospital's acute care wing among other projects. However, "aligning the city's capital budget with the plan's recommendations will require more creativity and strategic thinking around potential revenue sources." San Francisco Chronicle
(3/7)      
| Infrastructure & Project Focus | | |
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- Operator to spend over $5B in transmission-improvement projects
Grid operator PJM Interconnection said it authorized more than 750 electric transmission-improvement projects last year. The upgrades are due to "massive power plant retirements, fuel-switching to cheaper natural gas and finding clean renewable resources to meet state requirements for lower-emission generation," the operator said. The cost for the work will be more than $5 billion. PJM provides power to 60 million people in 13 states and Washington, D.C. Platts
(3/7)
- Crews put finishing touches on Hong Kong's new $1B cruise terminal
Crews are at work putting the finishing touches on a $1 billion cruise terminal in Hong Kong. Dubbed by locals "groundscaper" because the 2,789-foot length of the terminal is double the height of the city’s tallest building, the facility will feature the largest gangways in the world. The "innovative Cruise Terminal at Kai Tak will set the standard for cruise terminals throughout the world," said Bill Flora, U.S. director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model)
(3/7)
- Calif.'s $500M rail project advances
A $500 million rail project in California that would transfer cargo inland by rail from Los Angeles and Long Beach ports has been approved by the Los Angeles Harbor Commissioners. Work is slated to start later this year and about 1,500 jobs could be created over the three-year life of the project. "Modernizing our transportation infrastructure is crucial to creating jobs, strengthening our economy and improving our quality of life in Los Angeles," said City Councilman Joe Buscaino. San Jose Mercury News (Calif.) (free registration)/The Associated Press
(3/7)
| Economic Update | | |
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| Innovation & Green Building | | |
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- Sustainability index aims to evaluate REITs
The release later this month of a sustainability index that measures the portfolios of real estate investment trusts is expected to reduce environmental and social risks for investors in "green" properties. FTSE Group, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts and the U.S. Green Building Council are working together on the index to provide transparency about LEED certification and Energy Star ratings. The index is scheduled to be launched on March 21, said Chris Pyke, USGBC vice president of research. GreenBiz.com
(3/7)
| Policy Watch | | |
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| Association News | | |
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Arizona's Historic Gila River Bridge Rehabilitation project named one of 2012′s most successful construction partnerships
The Historic Gila River Bridge Rehabilitation project in Arlington, Ariz., was one of the most successful construction partnerships of 2012, the Associated General Contractors of America announced today. As a result, the project’s contractor, Phoenix-based Haydon Building Corp., was one of only two firms to receive the association’s Marvin M. Black Excellence in Partnering Award. "Knowledge, skills and experience are vital to any successful construction project, but without a strong foundation of teamwork the project will crumble," said Joseph H. Jarboe, the association’s president and senior vice president of Bethesda, Md.-based Clark Construction Group. "These projects demonstrate the type of effective collaboration that is critical to building great things." Read more.
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OSHA Standards for Construction (OSHA 29 CFR)
Compliance in the construction industry is made easier with this comprehensive 29 CFR 1926 book. Included you will find the 1903 regulations on inspections, citations, and proposed penalties; the 1904 regulations on recording and reporting occupational injuries and illnesses; pertinent 1910 general industry regulations; and every 1926 construction industry regulation. To place your order, visit the AGC Store or its safety section.
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Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to financing terms to build a $1 billion, retractable-roof stadium. The agreement means the city will fund $200 million of the project while the Atlanta Falcons will kick in about $800 million. The Falcons will spend about $50 million on infrastructure improvements around the new stadium, and Falcons owner Arthur Blank's foundation and the city each will put up $15 million to enhance the surrounding neighborhood. 
