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- Group offers ways to spur economy through infrastructure spending
The U.S. should sharply increase investment in "projects that ease bottlenecks and expand capacity at ports and key junctures;" create an infrastructure bank; and encourage "innovative approaches that bring private financing into the public sphere" to prevent it from falling further behind economic competitors, according to a report from Building America's Future. "Some countries, even in hard economic times, are still investing in their infrastructure because they see the long-term benefits of it," said Marcia Hale, the group's president. The Washington Post
(1/17)
| Infrastructure Watch | | |
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- Work on first phase of Dulles Corridor Metrorail almost done
The first phase of the Washington, D.C., Metrorail subway expansion to Dulles International Airport in Virginia is 87% complete. Work has shifted from "heavy construction" to electrical and testing work, according to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. The second phase is slated to start in 2014 and will include construction of a station at Dulles Airport. The Hill/Transportation blog
(1/17)     
- Certified rope-access engineers inspect Hoover Dam's bypass bridge
Due to the complexity of the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge spanning the Colorado River downstream from the Hoover Dam, the Nevada Department of Transportation has tapped Stantec's team of "certified rope-access engineers" to fully check the bridge. The team has combined engineering and climbing skills. "My favorite part of this is there is a very small group of people in the world who are ever going to be able to rappel off this structure," said Nicholas Cioffredi, a senior bridge inspection engineer. Las Vegas Review-Journal
(1/17), Las Vegas Sun
(1/17)
- 6 House members named chairmen of House T&I subcommittees
Six House lawmakers were recently appointed by Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster, R-Pa., as chairmen for the panel's subcommittees. The Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials will be under the leadership of Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Calif., and Rep. Tom Petri, R-Wis., will chair the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. Rep. Bob Gibbs, R-Ohio, will oversee the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. "I look forward to working together to promote competitiveness and economic growth, reform programs, and strengthen our nation's infrastructure," Shuster said. The Hill/Transportation blog
(1/16), Transport Topics
(1/17), The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)
(1/17)
| Trends & Technology | | |
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- A highway runs through it
India may take a hint from Japan to help solve its road-infrastructure challenges. One of its ministry officials has suggested building roads through high-rise buildings, just as was done at the Gate Tower Building in Japan. That 16-story building has an expressway that occupies three floors. The road was built as a bridge and is secured by free-standing supports so that it is not attached to the tower. DesignBuildSource.com.au (Australia)
(1/18)
| Sustainable Development | | |
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- Seattle "living building" sports green roof, solar array
The 50,000-square-foot Bullitt Center in Seattle will showcase its features that meet the Living Building Challenge standards on Earth Day, April 22. Dubbed the "world's greenest building," the facility sports a green roof, along with cisterns that will manage stormwater runoff at the site. The six-story building also has a solar array as its source of energy, and architectural features that make its interior healthier for its occupants. TriplePundit.com
(1/16)
| Advancing the Profession | | |
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- How quiet focus can make you a better leader
Taking time to slow down at work can help you become calm, focused and noticed when others need the same help, Mary Jo Asmus writes. She suggests building time into your day to set intentions, pausing before reacting and talking with co-workers, not at them. "Look them in the eye and listen deeper than you ever have," she suggests. "You might find that you really don't need to say much at all." SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Leadership
(1/16)
- Ask yourself: Are you a deluded leader?
Many leaders believe they're doing the right things but are led astray by illusion and delusion, Dan Rockwell writes. He suggests taking an attitude of service toward those you're leading. "Conform to them rather than demanding they conform to you," he writes. Leadership Freak blog
(1/14)
| News from ASCE | | |
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World of Concrete 2013 to present world-class events in Las Vegas
The only annual international commercial construction show for the concrete and masonry industries, World of Concrete returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center, Feb. 5-8 (seminars begin Feb. 4). Some 1,200 suppliers will showcase their offerings in more than 560,000 square feet of exhibit space. More than 100 educational sessions, hands-on demonstrations, product demonstrations, spectator competitions, and luncheons will provide relevant solutions, products and technologies. Check out the WOC 2013 education program with valuable seminars and education tracks, including safety and risk management, business and project management, leadership and management, and general business. For more information and to register, visit www.worldofconcrete.com.
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