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- Southern Co. moves ahead with multibillion-dollar projects
Southern Co. said that it intends to proceed with its nuclear projects even if it doesn't take a federal loan guarantee worth $8.3 billion because of new requirements by the U.S. Department of Energy. Already under way are two nuclear reactors worth $14 billion at its Vogtle facility in Georgia, and a $2.8 billion integrated gasification combined-cycle coal plant in Mississippi. "We are going full bore to finish this plant by the scheduled date," CEO Tom Fanning said of the coal plant. "There is no slowdown." Reuters
(7/18)     
| Infrastructure Watch | | |
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- Expansion plans of 5 East Coast ports get fast-tracked
Expansion and development projects at the ports of Savannah, Ga.: New York and New Jersey; Charleston, S.C.; and Jacksonville and Miami, Fla., are receiving help from the Obama administration's "We Can't Wait" program to speed up construction. The review and permitting work of seven projects at the ports will be fast-tracked. "These types of projects not only aid in the efficient movement of freight, they pay long-term dividends by supporting job creation and economic growth, and help to ensure America's international competitiveness overseas," said Kurt Nagle, president of the American Association of Port Authorities. The Hill/Transportation blog
(7/19), The Journal of Commerce
(7/19)
- MGM gets go-ahead to implode "defect-riddled" Harmon tower
MGM Resorts International has been given permission by a state judge to demolish the Harmon tower in Las Vegas. "When Clark County demanded that CityCenter abate the potential hazard created by faulty construction at the Harmon, we determined that demolition is the surest, safest and fastest way to do so," the company said. Meanwhile, the general contractor of the tower, which opposed the decision, plans to appeal to the state Supreme Court. Las Vegas Sun/The Associated Press
(7/19)
- LIBOR scandal could raise cost of construction loans
 Many construction, short-term and bridge loans are priced above the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR. Given the current scandal over large banks manipulating that rate, it's possible that the cost of construction loans could rise, according to Bill Hughes of Marcus & Millichap Capital Corp. GlobeSt.com
(7/19)
- Mayors call for increased funding of infrastructure
A report prepared for the U.S. Conference of Mayors says public spending on transportation infrastructure has declined to 2.4% of gross domestic product. The group called on federal and state governments to increase spending. "Our cities need help," said Frank Ortis, mayor of Pembroke Pines, Fla. "We want action." Yahoo!/The Associated Press
(7/19)
| Trends & Technology | | |
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- 3D modeling: A key role in building London's Orbit, Emirates Stadium
To help develop the Orbit tower in Olympic Park in London, engineers made extensive use of three-dimensional simulation software. A Tekla model was used that provided information about bolt and joint positions and details on steel fabrication. The 3D-modeling system was also used in the design of London's Emirates Stadium. "Using this model, we were able to do away with spirit levels and most of the paper and drawings, and translate it directly to the shop floor," said Jarrod Hulme of Watson Steel. Intelligent Life
(July/August 2012)
- New mobile apps raise potential for productivity
A growing number of mobile apps can help improve productivity on the job site. For instance, Field ID for Android can help manage safety inspections and job-site audits, while the Accusoft USB Scanner makes scanning a variety of documents easier. Constructech (free registration)
(7/16)
| Sustainable Development | | |
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- Green building pilot program sparks debate in Seattle
The "Living Buildings" pilot program in Seattle aims to encourage construction of facilities that generate their own water and energy and become "the most ecologically sound modern buildings in the world," according to the nonprofit Living Future Institute. Skanska USA's planned Stone 34 building -- which goes beyond LEED Platinum -- is trying for "Living Building" status, but the LFI says Stone 34 can't qualify because Skanska selected only the standards that it wanted to meet. "They may meet the letter of the law, but not its intent of promoting a radical, global change in how buildings are designed and built," says one critic. The Seattle Times
(7/20)
| Advancing the Profession | | |
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| News from ASCE | | |
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Civil Engineering online exclusive: Engineering Salaries Rise
ASCE and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers release survey data that shows engineering salaries increased again last year, managing to stay ahead of inflation. See the salary findings, and find more fascinating, topical articles at www.asce.org/cemagazine.
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Free ASCE eLearning webinar: Social Media and You, Part One
Effective social media is not about creating a Facebook page so people can find you; it’s about long-term engagement. Social media means listening to your stakeholders’ needs and creating strategies for deeper two-way conversations. Find out how to get the most out of social media engagement in a free eLearning Webinar coming Monday, July 30, at 2 p.m. ET. Don't miss Social Media and You, Part One: The Powerful Tool Engineers Can Use to Build Client Loyalty, Enhance Project Delivery and Take Charge of Your Career Growth. With an enhanced understanding of social media, you'll see the return in enhancing project delivery, client loyalty, volunteerism, recruitment, stakeholder interaction, project management and marketing. Think social media is only for students and young professionals? This webinar features a session recorded at ASCE's 2011 Annual Conference with examples of how successful engineering agencies, companies and professionals at every career stage are reaping the benefits of social media. Following the video presentation, Anthony Fasano of Powerful Purpose Association, and Lauren Precker, ASCE social media specialist, will answer live questions. Register now for this free webinar, exclusive to ASCE members. Watch soon for details on parts two and three of the series, which will focus on using social media in local ASCE activities.
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| Position Title | Company Name | Location |
| Land Development Designer | Triad Engineering | US - WV - Morgantown |
| Senior Geotechnical Engineer | Tectonic Engineering & Surveying Consultants, P.C. | US - NY - Long Island City |
| Senior Tunnel Engineer | Condor Earth Technologies, Inc. | US - CA - Sonora |
| Senior Project Manager / Engineer | ESP Associates, PA | US - SC - Columbia |
| Civil Engineering Designer/Project Engineer | ESP Associates, PA | US - SC - Fort Mill (south Charlotte, NC) |
| Manager, Construction | Fairfax Water | Fairfax, VA |
| Manager of Structural Engineering | Noble Drilling Services, Inc. | Houston, TX |
| Staff Tunnel Engineer | Condor Earth Technologies, Inc. | US - CA - Sonora |
| Mid Level Bridge Engineer | CHA Consulting, Inc. | US - NH - Keene |
| Mid Level Structural Engineer | CHA Consulting, Inc. | US - NJ - Parsippany |
| Mid to Senior Level Structural Engineer | CHA Consulting, Inc. | US - GA - Atlanta |
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