Dive Brief:
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The worst cement shortage in decades is delaying building projects in Minnesota.
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Springtime flooding of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers blocked the shipping channels, so barges carrying the region’s cement supplies couldn’t pass through. In addition, fires and other problems at cement plants in Iowa and Missouri short-changed the supply of the material.
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Large commercial construction projects, like the Minnesota Vikings’ new football stadium and the St. Croix River bridge are receiving priority shipments, leaving builders of smaller jobs without enough to do their work. But even the large jobs are getting too little cement to stay on schedule.
Dive Insight:
Contractors and industry associations have asked Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton to issue an executive order that would allow truck drivers to log more hours and haul heavier loads of cement. The governor allowed similar exceptions during a propane shortage a year ago.