U.S. attorney prosecutes FL affordable housing developers in $36M tax-credit fraud

The prosecutor said his office has recovered approximately $11 million of the stolen money, which was allegedly acquired through padded construction costs, kickbacks from contractors and shell companies.

By Sharon O'Malley • Aug. 5, 2015

CA construction execs sentenced to 2 years in prison for day laborer's 'preventable death'

The case has captured the industry's attention, as it is unusual for a contractor to get jail time for a jobsite accident — even one that proves fatal.

By Sharon O'Malley • Aug. 5, 2015

'Scandalous' revelation prompts NAHB to issue new call for EPA to abandon water rule

After it was disclosed that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers accused the EPA of using a flawed analysis in crafting the rules, NAHB Chairman Tom Woods reiterated his concerns regarding the new regulations.

By Sharon O'Malley • Aug. 3, 2015

Jury orders 'King of Cranes' to pay $48M to families of NY workers killed in crash

The equipment owner had been acquitted of criminal charges in the 2008 accident, which involved a 200-foot-tall crane that snapped and fell to the ground.

By Sharon O'Malley • Aug. 3, 2015

Congress to stick a pin in highway funding debate. What's next?

The Senate will vote on both the short-term extension and long-term bill today. But will both chambers be able to agree on a more permanent fix when they return in September?

By Emily Peiffer • July 30, 2015

UPDATE: Obama signs 3-month highway funding extension; long-term bill debate paused

The move will keep current road and bridge construction projects from shutting down.

By Emily Peiffer • July 29, 2015

DC proposal forbids diesel engines to idle for more than 3 minutes

The rule would affect construction crews using bulldozers, cranes and other off-highway equipment.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 29, 2015

Bikes over Bentleys: Chicago could ease parking restrictions for developments near transit

The proposal is part of the city’s larger effort to encourage residential and commercial development near commuter rail stations.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 28, 2015

Rapid City, SD, considers requiring builders to test for expansive soil

Homeowners have reported extensive foundation damage due to the area’s clay-based soil.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 27, 2015

Final countdown begins for Congress' highway fund reauthorization

The two chambers are at odds over a solution to the chronic underfunding. Will they reach an agreement before the Friday deadline?

By Sharon O'Malley • July 27, 2015

OSHA fines Houston contractor $424K after trench collapse injures laborer

Officials blamed the accident on "egregious, willful" safety violations.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 24, 2015

PA equipment operator pleads guilty in fatal 2013 demolition accident

The contractor who hired him will fight six manslaughter charges in court.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 22, 2015

Will Senate tie fate of highway construction funding to Planned Parenthood debate?

GOP presidential candidates are using a “must-pass” transportation measure to bring attention to several unrelated controversies.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 22, 2015

LA town proposes $2,250 impact fee on new homes to pay for infrastructure

One builder said the levy could push the price of some homes over an affordable level.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 21, 2015

Status update: 6 DOL guidelines for independent contractor classification

Federal agencies have received an influx of complaints as businesses — including construction firms — increasingly deviate from legal practices.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 21, 2015

NJ construction management firm to pay $17M penalty in international bribery case

Two Louis Berger executives — who pleaded guilty to conspiracy and corruption charges — will be sentenced in November.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 20, 2015

Builders oppose effort to localize Nashville-area construction hiring

Voters are set to decide whether public projects must employ a minimum number of county residents.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 20, 2015

Rush of FAA exemptions allows 127 construction firms to fly drones

It’s getting easier to win permission from the agency to use the unmanned aircrafts for commercial purposes.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 17, 2015

FIFA hearing scrutinizes treatment of migrant construction laborers in Qatar

A U.S. senator pointed to "human rights violations and the tragic loss of lives" during the building of the 2022 World Cup infrastructure.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 16, 2015

Wisconsin repeals prevailing wage law

Republican legislators across the country have taken aim at laws that require state and local governments to base contractor pay on local standards.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 15, 2015

CA committee rejects proposal forcing contractors to disclose defect settlements

Builders opposed the measure, which was the Legislature’s response to last month’s Berkeley balcony collapse.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 15, 2015

Congress poised to decide fate of stop-gap transportation funding proposal

Two high-ranking Republican representatives said they will announce a more permanent solution later this year.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 15, 2015

NJ courts anticipate onslaught of builder lawsuits for local affordable housing

Under a new state rule, cities and towns had until last week to come up with their own plans and avoid legal challenges.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 14, 2015

CA officials: Tom Selleck's alleged stolen water was legally purchased by construction company

The Thousand Oaks public works director said the hydrant was tapped by a company with a city-approved water meter.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 13, 2015

Minneapolis relaxes multifamily parking space minimum to curb costs, spur construction

Outside of downtown, no or little parking is now allowed if buildings are located near transit.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 13, 2015