MN lawmakers attempt to divert FTA funding from controversial light rail project

After Minnesota Republicans refused to fund the $1.9 billion project last year, local agencies came up with the money themselves — a move that angered opponents.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 22, 2017

Feds delay $650M grant for CA rail electrification project

State Republicans lobbied the Federal Transit Administration to scrap Caltrain's application pending an audit of the state's beleaguered $64 billion bullet train.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 21, 2017

NY-NJ Port Authority approves $32B infrastructure spending plan

Officials predict the program will result in a $56 billion economic boon for the area and create $20 billion in wages over the next 10 years.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 17, 2017

Federal hiring freeze could hinder DOL's enforcement of workplace violations

With President Trump's order in place, the Department of Labor could struggle to fill the empty positions necessary for investigating compliance issues.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 17, 2017

Los Angeles earmarks $37M for affordable housing construction

While the city sees a pickup in high-end residential and commercial building activity, its low- and middle-income housing supply needs a boost.

By Sean Barry • Feb. 16, 2017

WA governor allocates $1M for high-speed rail study

Officials aim to explore the pros and cons of a bullet train connecting Portland, OR, Seattle and Vancouver.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 16, 2017

Trudeau, Trump push for speedy construction of Gordie Howe International Bridge

Canada has agreed to finance the entire cost of the $2.1 billion project, which would connect Detroit and Ontario, and be paid back later through tolls.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 15, 2017

NYC fines contractor $3.2M for allegedly underpaying immigrant workers

KS Contracting Corporation was also barred from bidding on state or city projects in the future.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 15, 2017

Detroit official seeks $500K study of billionaire Dan Gilbert's jail, stadium proposal

Gilbert wants to take over the existing jail site and build a $1 billion development in exchange for constructing a $420 million jail facility at a nearby location.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 15, 2017

Officials poised to approve $300M DC United stadium

The soccer team has overcome several obstacles in its effort to build a new venue, and officials hope Thursday will mark the last one before construction can begin.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 14, 2017

The Dotted Line: How training programs can 'fund the future' of a skilled workforce

Whether contract-mandated or company-driven, training programs play a critical role in pumping up the lean construction worker pipeline.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 14, 2017

Report reveals new cost, plans for Trump's Mexico border wall

The Department of Homeland Security estimated the cost of the project at $22 billion and noted that the administration has already begun working with contractors.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 13, 2017

Former construction lobbyist's position at Labor Dept. could spell union showdown

Geoffrey Burr, formerly with the Associated Builders and Contractors, is a staunch opponent of project labor agreements and prevailing wage requirements.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 13, 2017

San Francisco aims to boost alternative transportation with new development regulations

The city will require developers who want to include free parking with their projects to also provide features promoting car-sharing, biking and other transport options.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 13, 2017

Millennium Tower homeowners association to sue developer, nearby project

It is the second instance of legal action by owners in the San Francisco high-rise as to unprecedented settling that they say wasn't disclosed at the time of purchase.

By Sean Barry • Feb. 13, 2017

WA contractor fined $203K for fall hazards

Puyallup, WA-based J & I Construction was cited for three willful and three repeat serious violations among its 13 total infringements.

By Sean Barry • Feb. 13, 2017

Canada gears up softwood lumber lobby amid trade questions

The move comes as the U.S. investigates dumping allegations, the results of which could mean higher duties for Canadian producers.

By Sean Barry • Feb. 10, 2017

AK contractor fined $280K after worker demolition fatality

Alaska officials allege the owner of North Country Services also misclassified its workers as independent contractors.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 10, 2017

Civil trial for deadly PA building collapse ends with $227M settlement

Building owner Richard Basciano and The Salvation Army were found financially liable, and two contractors are already serving prison time for the 2013 incident. 

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 10, 2017

NY Gov. Cuomo's 421-a proposal could cost taxpayers $5.7M per project

The tax break may be larger than is necessary to offset costs associated with adding the required share of affordable housing to multifamily projects.

By Sean Barry • Feb. 10, 2017

LPCiminelli execs ask judge to dismiss corruption charges, indicate $4B in lost work

Attorneys for the former company heads also requested a change of venue to Buffalo, NY, where the alleged offenses occurred.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 9, 2017

Atlanta officials charge second contractor in bribery scheme

Authorities claim that Charles P. Richards Jr., an associate of alleged co-conspirator Elvin Mitchell Jr., paid an unnamed city official to win contracts.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 9, 2017

Digging up delays: How to handle unexpected archaeological finds on the job site

Construction crews often find themselves unearthing significant pieces — and people — of the past, but taking the proper steps can help keep a project on track.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 9, 2017

TX bullet train developer drops lawsuits against landowners along proposed route

Texas Central Partners first took the legal action when it could not complete the necessary survey work for the 240-mile project.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 8, 2017

4 ways builders are working around the labor shortage

From hiring out of new markets and raising wages to starting a training program, pros discuss how they are finding new workers in today's tight labor market.

By Jeff Marcus • Feb. 8, 2017