California enacts strict new COVID-19 notification law

While codifying many of the emergency temporary standards for COVID-19 adopted last year, California's AB 685 also expands Cal/OSHA's ability to shut down jobsites without a customary 15-day response period. 

By Joe Bousquin • Jan. 12, 2021

Law firms form alliance to take on international construction

The LCL International Alliance will have more than 130 legal and technical professionals at its disposal.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 11, 2021

Biden taps former construction union leader Marty Walsh to lead Labor Department

The announcement brought cheers from the AFL-CIO and building trades groups, which lauded the Boston mayor's decades of experience in construction. 

By Jennifer Goodman , Katie Clarey • Jan. 8, 2021

Construction, other trade groups decry mob violence at US Capitol

Despite Wednesday's unrest, AGC's chief said the violent attack by Trump supporters won't stop the peaceful transfer of power.

By Joe Bousquin • Jan. 8, 2021

Trump administration pushing through approvals for energy, mining projects on public land

The White House is using President Donald Trump's last days in office to secure approvals for projects across the U.S.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 7, 2021

Dems edge closer to Senate control, raising stakes for construction

As the country awaits the final outcome of yesterday's runoff in Georgia, there's no doubt that the impacts will be far-reaching for contractors.

By Joe Bousquin , Jennifer Goodman • Jan. 6, 2021

How OSHA priorities could shift under President-elect Biden

In addition to COVID-19 issues, there are several other construction-related workplace concerns that could become front and center for OSHA this year, according to attorney Casey Verville.

By Casey Verville • Jan. 5, 2021

Contractors to benefit from latest round of PPP funding

Legislation approving new Paycheck Protection Program loans will provide much-needed relief to many construction firms, says an industry expert.

By Anna Hrushka , Jennifer Goodman • Jan. 5, 2021

Employers do not have to pay for certain travel time between office, telework locations, DOL says

The letter is the latest in a series of U.S. Department of Labor documents weighing in on remote work.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 4, 2021

Biden halts US-Mexico border wall construction

President Joe Biden's proclamation, made just hours after his swearing in, directs private contractors to stop work as soon as possible.

By Kim Slowey • Updated Jan. 21, 2021

While mandatory COVID-19 sick leave expires, tax credit for employers continues

The pandemic relief package passed by Congress last week extends tax credits through March but did not extend Families First Coronavirus Response Act leave requirements.

By Kim Slowey • Updated Jan. 4, 2021

Employers can require proof of COVID-19 vaccination — with some exceptions, EEOC says

But, the agency said, companies may be able to exclude workers who can't receive a coronavirus vaccine under certain circumstances. 

By Ryan Golden • Dec. 17, 2020

Pensacola Bay Bridge reopens as repair work winds down

The state is withholding $35,000 per day from Skanska USA Civil Southeast's payments until all four lanes of the bridge are open.

By Kim Slowey , Zachary Phillips • Updated June 3, 2021

Tax changes on the horizon: What contractors need to know

Construction pros must consider the effects of a Biden tax plan, potential coronavirus relief and other factors for their end-of-year strategy, industry accountants say.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 14, 2020

AGC sues feds over PPP loan necessity questionnaire

The Associated General Contractors of America's lawsuit seeks to compel the federal government to revise the Paycheck Protection Program questionnaire, saying "they do not have the right to use a secretly crafted form to gather unprecedented amounts of proprietary information."

By Jennifer Goodman • Dec. 9, 2020

Wisconsin judge bars release of COVID-19 employer info

In a victory for construction and other trade groups, the ruling prevents the release of the names of employers that have had workers with COVID-19.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 8, 2020

Where face coverings are required .... and where they are not

Contractors and their employees should be aware of mask mandates and emergency standards as they move about their projects.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 4, 2020

Enbridge clears final regulatory hurdle for $2.6B Minnesota pipeline project

The Line 3 replacement project is expected to generate 4,200 union jobs.

By Jennifer Goodman • Dec. 2, 2020

Can employers restrict workers' personal travel?

As COVID-19 cases surge, construction and other businesses have some options when it comes to employees' holiday vacations.

By Ryan Golden • Dec. 1, 2020

Maryland to pay Purple Line contractors $100M by year-end

In a move expected to be approved this week, the Maryland Department of Transportation will pay the first installment in a $250 million settlement agreement.

By Jennifer Goodman • Updated Dec. 14, 2020

PPP necessity form: What contractors need to know

A CPA sheds light on the new loan necessity questionnaire for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers, a requirement that has been called "confusing and burdensome" by industry groups.

By Jennifer Goodman • Nov. 24, 2020

The Dotted Line: Recouping costs for defective design, changes on federal design-build contracts

Federal agencies rarely give over the kind of control many design-builders expect, according to attorneys presenting at the recent Design-Build Institute of America conference.

By Kim Slowey • Nov. 24, 2020

Will Biden continue Trump's construction-friendly regulatory environment?

The industry is wondering how the Biden administration will approach business regulations and the rollbacks Trump put in place.

By Kim Slowey • Nov. 23, 2020

OSHA reveals most-violated standards related to COVID-19

Violations related to respiratory protection and not implementing a written program with worksite-specific safety procedures topped the list.

By Kim Slowey • Nov. 23, 2020

PPP-funded expenses not deductible for borrowers that receive forgiveness

The Internal Revenue Service ruling means that some firms will pay more in federal taxes next year.

By Jennifer Goodman • Nov. 20, 2020