OSHA delays enforcement of silica rule for 90 days

The announcement, which was welcomed by construction employer groups, pushes the deadline for compliance to Sept. 23.

By Emily Peiffer • April 6, 2017

Proposed EPA budget cuts could thwart lead-paint law

Elimination of federal funds for the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program doesn't cancel the related law, but it could change how it is enforced.

By Katy Tomasulo • April 5, 2017

Trump vows to cut 'red tape' along with $1 trillion infrastructure program

Elaine Chao, the secretary of transportation, said she expects the administration will announce its infrastructure funding bill in May.

By Kim Slowey • April 5, 2017

$2.3B Boston Green Line extension back on track with FTA approval of revised costs

Officials withheld authorization for a $1 billion grant when the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority halted work on the light-rail project due to cost overruns.

By Kim Slowey • April 5, 2017

UPDATE: Trump signs measure to revoke OSHA recordkeeping violations rule

Companies must still maintain logs of injuries and illnesses for the previous five years but now cannot be cited by OSHA for incidents beyond the six-month mark.

By Emily Peiffer , Kim Slowey • April 4, 2017

CO lawmakers at odds over sales tax–backed funding of toll lane construction

A proposed transportation funding bill, which includes the toll lane provision, could enable a $3.5 billion bond sale to pay for highway projects. 

By Kim Slowey • April 4, 2017

Immigrants from Trump 'travel-ban' countries have strong long-term homeownership potential

President Donald Trump's stance on border security and immigration stands to impact the supply and demand sides of the housing market.

By Mary Tyler March • April 3, 2017

Official says MD Purple Line on schedule despite lawsuit delays

In addition to legal challenges, a potential reversal in President Trump's Federal Transit Administration funding policy also threatens the 16-mile light rail project.

By Kim Slowey • April 3, 2017

DC mayor asks Trump to return control of RFK Stadium land for new development

The soon-to-be-unoccupied stadium is currently under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service.

By Kim Slowey • April 3, 2017

Report: US construction industry contributes to modern slavery

From 2007 to 2016, nonprofit group Polaris received reports of nearly 550 cases of human trafficking or labor exploitation in construction.

By Kim Slowey • April 3, 2017

EPA's 2017 construction stormwater permit takes effect

One of the most hotly contested portions of the rule makes each operator on the site liable for the actions of the group regarding compliance.

By Mary Tyler March • March 31, 2017

TX legislators push for Astrodome rehab bill

Officials want to spend $105 million to create 500,000 square feet of rentable space inside the iconic sports venue, which now stands vacant.

By Kim Slowey • March 31, 2017

CA lawmakers propose $52B plan to repair state infrastructure

Opponents of the fee hikes included in the measure say that California should pay for work on high-priority projects with existing funds instead.  

By Kim Slowey • March 31, 2017

Construction on $142M Eisenhower Memorial could start in late 2017

However, project planners still need to secure $84 million in federal funds for the memorial and score final design approval from multiple agencies.

By Kim Slowey • March 31, 2017

Banking on dealers: Can builders still count on lumber yards for credit?

Long a de facto bank, building material dealers are rethinking credit arrangements to manage risk as the lending landscape tightens for their customers.

By Debbie Reslock • March 30, 2017

TX plans $9B funding infusion for state highway projects

Although the projects have been approved by state officials, lawmakers must still hammer out the funding details before work can begin.

By Kim Slowey • March 30, 2017

Turner exec testifies to Congress on skills gap, labor shortage in construction

Rory DeJohn, a senior vice president for the company, highlighted the importance of training programs and outreach to younger people.

By Kim Slowey • March 30, 2017

How to encourage Hispanic participation amid the construction labor shortage

Training and support are key to attracting and retaining Hispanic workers during a period of heightened focus on immigration issues.

By Kim Slowey • March 30, 2017

Former CA union official pleads guilty to $169K embezzlement scheme

Edward Padilla, who allegedly wrote himself checks and used construction union credit cards for personal expenses, now faces up to five years in prison.

By Kim Slowey • March 29, 2017

Trump could introduce infrastructure bill in tandem with tax reform

Construction-related stocks rose on the news, as the administration had previously hinted it would wait until 2018 to push its infrastructure agenda.

By Kim Slowey • March 29, 2017

Former OSHA official publishes safety citations amid agency's halt on press releases

Jordan Barab, deputy assistant secretary at OSHA under President Barack Obama, said the public announcements motivated businesses to prioritize safety.

By Kim Slowey • March 29, 2017

Eminent domain: Where landowners clash with project interests

Residents along the route of a proposed Houston-to-Dallas bullet train are pushing back against a private company that says it has the right to acquire their property.

By Kim Slowey • March 28, 2017

How the Fed's low interest rates helped post-recession housing

A new working paper from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University finds a tie between mortgage demand and interest rates.

By Katy Tomasulo • March 28, 2017

Charlotte, NC officials request extra $25M to cover light-rail construction costs

Half of the funds would go to Balfour Beatty and Blythe Development for additional work, tests and inspections necessary to overcome project challenges.

By Kim Slowey • March 28, 2017

UPDATE: Trump repeals DOL 'blacklisting' rule

The Obama-era regulation required contractors bidding on large federal construction projects to submit their history of labor compliance to officials for review.

By Emily Peiffer , Hallie Busta • March 27, 2017