The Latest
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Las Vegas rail project could spark $3B of nearby investment
An 8.7 mile, $750 million light rail system connecting McCarran International Airport, the University of Nevada, a hospital and downtown could generate $2.8 billion in housing, retail, entertainment and office development.
Commercial Building -
New York state tax loophole put millions in builders' pockets
In one of the most extreme cases, a Syracuse apartment owner shaved $527,000 off property taxes by installing three vending machines.
Legal/Regulation -
BREEAM New Construction standard launched in US
United Kingdom-based Building Research Establishment teamed with architecture, engineering and design firm HOK to introduce a green building certification program for the U.S. market.
Green Building -
Association: More tariffs will hurt construction, other industries
The head of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers said another $200 billion worth of duties imposed on Chinese imports would have a negative impact on the U.S. economy.
Economy -
Contractor to testify at 'Buffalo Billion' trial in New York
A representative from Syracuse-based Hueber-Breuer Construction Co. may testify this week that state officials kept him from bidding on a major project.
Legal/Regulation -
Tech Deals: PlanGrid, Triax, United Equipment, more sign partnerships
So far in June, technology collaborations range from 4D planning visuals to equipment sensors to enhanced offerings for construction companies.
Technology -
San Francisco subway, rail among world's costliest
Bay-area rail projects' ongoing costs could limit the scope of a planned $21 billion, multi-county transit capital program.
Infrastructure -
Brooklyn contractor pays more than $300K to settle worker wage theft claims
The Urban Group, which pleaded guilty to second-degree grand larceny against 21 employees, made full restitution, but has been debarred from public work in the state for five years.
Legal/Regulation -
City officials approve drones to monitor, inspect sites
The Spokane Public Works Department in Washington says it will employ unmanned aerial vehicles to quickly and safely perform necessary inspections of existing infrastructure and ongoing construction projects.
Technology -
Los Angeles to award Tutor Perini $410M Purple Line tunnel contract
Tutor Perini said it and joint venture partner Frontier-Kemper will build twin tunnels for the underground Purple Line Extension 3 project.
Infrastructure -
Maryland to expand I-95 express toll lane project to $1.1B
Governor Larry Hogan announced that an extra $890 million will extend two express toll lanes 10 miles north along Interstate 95.
Infrastructure -
Litigation looms in MGT Construction's $28M debt, $50K assets bankruptcy
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee asked the court for a special litigation council to try to uncover any of the defunct firm's "undisclosed assets" to help it pay the more than 500 companies and individuals it owes.
Legal/Regulation -
Construction firms try to pull with 'cool'
A McCarthy Building Cos. executive, for example, reportedly said at a recent industry event that the company tries to attract younger skilled workers by showcasing the company's "cool" projects and high-tech tools.
Commercial Building -
Deep DiveForensic BIM: Using modeling to resolve disputes and claims
With disputes in the industry averaging a value of $21 million, the ability to use BIM to retrospectively verify that the scope of work completed matches what the contract required could save millions in some lawsuits.
Technology -
Express rail to O'Hare airport could break ground in months
Elon Musk's The Boring Company beat out a team featuring Meridiam and Mott MacDonald with its plan to transport passengers from downtown Chicago to O'Hare International Airport in 12 minutes.
Infrastructure -
Deep DiveThe Dotted Line: How to make sure a contract protects your money
Contractors shouldn't hesitate to try to strike a better deal for things like change orders and retainage during contract negotiations.
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Utility company fights damaging Bechtel report
South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. wants to collect $3.8 billion from ratepayers in the next 20 years to partially recoup costs for the failed, $9 billion construction of a nuclear power plant, though Bechtel's assessment puts blame on SCE&G.
Commercial Building -
Deep DiveLeveraging BIM in the prefabrication space
By improving project visibility and coordination between the trades, 3D models can reduce design errors and save offsite construction firms time and money.
Technology -
New Jersey officials secure additional $600M in funding for Portal North Bridge
The state's Economic Development Authority will issue bonds to replace the railroad drawbridge as part of the Amtrak-led Gateway Program of infrastructure improvements.
UPDATED: June 19, 2018 at 9 a.m.
Infrastructure -
AGC: Material prices growing fast, tariffs threaten more increases
The Associated General Contractors of America said the effects of the new steel and aluminum tariffs can be seen in ballooning material prices.
Commercial Building -
Vancouver airport kicks off CA$9B expansion program
Vancouver International Airport's 20-year capital program, which has increased by $3.5 billion Canadian dollars since 2017, includes 75 projects.
Commercial Building -
How BIM boosted efficiency, collaboration in San Francisco mega project
Designers, engineers and contractors behind the massive Oceanwide Center used 3D modeling software to execute complex design details within an efficient timeline.
Commercial Building -
AECOM, Bechtel lead ENR list of professional services firms
The industry giants claimed the top rankings in the program management and construction management-for-fee categories this year.
Infrastructure -
Design, cost and contract issues plague $1.3B StratCom HQ
The U.S. Department of Defense unveiled that the Kiewit Corp.-Hensel Phelps joint venture project at the Offutt Air Force Base has been subject to more than two years of delays and at least $53 million of cost overruns.
Commercial Building -
Report: US construction industry has a bright future
The Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation predicted industry growth of 5% from 2017 to 2018.
Commercial Building