| December 14, 2012 | News for contractors and the construction industry |
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| Top Story |  |  |
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- Expert sees delays for new Plant Vogtle reactors
The $14 billion expansion of a nuclear power plant in Georgia will be delayed by more than a year, which could increase construction costs, according to a report from nuclear engineer William Jacobs. Southern Co. has already postponed the startup dates of the new units at Plant Vogtle by several months. Even if costs increase, the plant will still be economically viable, said Buzz Miller, Southern's executive vice president of nuclear development. The Augusta Chronicle (Ga.)/The Associated Press
(12/12)
| Infrastructure & Project Focus |  |  |
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- Year in review: 10 important construction projects
Construction Digital names its top 10 construction projects that will have a wide impact. Green energy and sustainable construction projects in the U.S. claimed the top spot in the rankings. "Globally praised for its industry innovation and colossal construction projects, it is high time America reclaimed the envy of the world," writes Stanley Jackson. ConstructionDigital.com
(12/13)
- Work on $957M Central Corridor project in Minn. nears completion
Mild weather and lessons learned from 2011 work has helped the $957 million Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Project in Minnesota between Minneapolis and St. Paul get ahead of its construction schedule. The project, which is more than 80% complete, is expected to be operational by 2014. "Reaching the end of the hardest part of Central Corridor construction is cause for reflection and a little celebration," said Metropolitan Council Chair Sue Haigh. Minnesota Public Radio
(12/12), RT&S online
(12/13)
| Economic Update |  |  |
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- Calif. city sees construction resurgence
There are about 40,000 oil wells in and around Bakersfield, Calif., and the city has become home to industrial parks and warehouses. This has helped fuel an increased demand for housing and boosted the state's construction jobs by 5% from a year ago, according to data from the Associated General Contractors of America. The Wall Street Journal
(12/11)
| Innovation & Green Building |  |  |
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- 7 communities earn EPA's Smart Growth award
The transformation of a downtown corridor in Lancaster, Calif., into a busy commercial and residential district made Lancaster one of the seven communities recognized with a Smart Growth award from the Environmental Protection Agency. The awards are given to "recognize exceptional approaches to development that protect the environment, encourage economic vitality, and enhance quality of life." CENews.com
(12/13), The Buffalo News (N.Y.)
(12/9)
| Policy Watch |  |  |
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- $105B MAP-21 bill ignites hope for public transport projects
The passage of the $105 billion Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, or MAP-21, last summer is expected to provide some funding for surface transportation projects next year, particularly for transit development. Groups such as the American Public Transportation Association are closely monitoring the enactment and anticipated effect of MAP-21. "The new law is transformative in many ways," said APTA President and CEO Michael Melaniphy. Progressive Railroading
(12/2012)
| Association News |  |  |
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AGC webinar: Stormwater Compliance -- New Templates to Help Contractors Keep Effective Documentation
If your company wants to stay in compliance with the myriad of new and forthcoming stormwater runoff requirements, you need an effective document management system. All stormwater permitting authorities require a site-specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan as well as documentation of inspections, findings, and maintenance and repair of all BMPs. In the case of an audit or incident, government enforcers will want to see written proof of your compliance. This webinar will take place on Dec. 18 at 2:00 pm ET. Learn more and register.
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Construction State Law Matrix
The Construction State Law Matrix is the most comprehensive, definitive and concise publication available, covering all aspects of state laws that may affect your public or private construction project. This essential resource, for use before completing any construction contract in the United States, District of Columbia or Puerto Rico, ensures compliance and enforceability under state law. To find out more about the State Law Matrix or to review a free sample, go to www.agc.org/statelawmatrix.
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