Legal/Regulation: Page 80
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Deep Dive
Inside CA's first step toward new regulations after the Berkeley balcony collapse
A new bill could result in building code changes that lawmakers hope will prevent another tragedy like last year's accident that killed six and injured seven others.
By Kim Slowey • Sept. 1, 2016 -
Labor Dept. sues MD contractor for alleged discrimination against 162 Hispanic, black employees
Potomac Abatement has denied allegations that it fired employees or kept them in low-paying positions based on race.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 31, 2016 -
FTA waiting for 'clarifying information' before kicking in $1B for beleaguered Boston Green Line extension
Federal officials advised the MBTA to continue the project's progress, but they expressed concern over what they considered an optimistic schedule and budget.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 31, 2016 -
Atlanta suburb alters building codes to prohibit wood-framed construction for tall structures
Despite the growing popularity of CLT, proponents of the code change maintain that steel and masonry construction methods are safer than wood.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 30, 2016 -
We have liftoff: New FAA commercial drone rules now in effect
The regulations have a major impact on construction and infrastructure, as the industries are already two of the biggest users of UAVs.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 30, 2016 -
Deep Dive
What construction companies need to know about the contentious new 'blacklisting' rule
Industry groups have said the regulation will put the greatest burden on small businesses that might not be able to afford the cost of compliance.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 30, 2016 -
Report: Controversy over construction project award process followed by DC agency shakeup
However, the city administrator denies that recent resignations and suspensions at the Department of General Services were related to the decision not to award a connected contractor two major projects.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 30, 2016 -
TX auditor admonishes state DOT for lack of design-build guidelines
A report found that at least $8 billion of the state's transportation design-build projects could be at risk of cost overruns due to the lack of standard administration procedures.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 29, 2016 -
WSJ: Union pressures hindering construction of affordable housing
Organized labor groups say that government-funded projects should require a union prevailing wage rate.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 29, 2016 -
Architecture firm shells out $12M to settle VA Dept. bribery case
CannonDesign also withdrew from another Department of Veterans Affairs project and accepted legal responsibility for the actions of its employees.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 26, 2016 -
OSHA fines D.R. Horton, subcontractor $107K for FL safety violations
The agency said it inspected the site of the nation's largest homebuilder as part of its ongoing Regional Emphasis Program on Falls in Construction.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 26, 2016 -
Construction industry groups rail against final Labor Dept. 'blacklisting' rule
Major associations like the AGC and ABC plan to fight against what they call arbitrary and unfair provisions of the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces rule.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 25, 2016 -
Deep Dive
The protest 'nightmare': Why construction projects can be magnets for controversy
Opponents can emerge due to environmental, cultural or labor concerns, but developers should be proactive by reaching out to the community well before construction begins.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 25, 2016 -
FEMA proposes stricter building regulations for flood-prone areas
Opponents of the proposed rule, which requires federally funded projects to be built 2 feet above the 100-year floodplain, say it will drive up building costs.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 24, 2016 -
Deep Dive
Nowhere left to build? Expanded accessory dwelling unit rules offer relief from housing shortage
However, the new San Francisco ordinance allowing additional ADUs in existing buildings has raised new questions, from cost to safety.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 23, 2016 -
Detroit land dispute set to erupt over $2B Gordie Howe International Bridge project
Officials said they are prepared to seize land from Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel Moroun under eminent domain laws if he refuses to sell necessary parcels.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 23, 2016 -
NY Gov. attempting to resurrect 421-a housing tax credit
The incentive program expired in January 2016 after city officials and unions failed to agree on the prevailing wage provisions required for its extension.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 22, 2016 -
IL roofer faces 19th OSHA citation in 10 years for fall protection violations
The agency said that before this most recent citation, the owner of Barringer Brothers Roofing was already in default on nearly $268,000 in previous fines.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 19, 2016 -
NJ Gov. authorizes funding for 'essential' transportation projects amid ongoing work shutdown
The move comes more than two months after Chris Christie issued a stop-work order for all projects when lawmakers failed to agree on a funding solution.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 19, 2016 -
PA military contractor pleads guilty in $1.4M fraud case
Prosecutors allege that James Conway concealed his ownership in a subcontracting firm that received $1.4 million for work it did not perform.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 18, 2016 -
Seattle approves new affordable housing initiative
Multifamily builders in the city will be required to either include below-market units in their developments or contribute to an affordable housing fund.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 17, 2016 -
Deep Dive
Presidential election survey results: And the winner is...
Would Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump be best for the construction industry? Here's what our readers had to say.
By Emily Peiffer • Aug. 17, 2016 -
OR couple's eviction from tiny house highlights controversial zoning laws
Portland, OR, considers tiny houses on wheels to be mobile homes, which are precluded from being used as permanent residences in single-family neighborhoods.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 17, 2016 -
Deep Dive
Tapping into new trade: Will Cuba be the US construction industry's next big market?
The Obama administration has re-established diplomatic relations with Cuba, but regulations on both sides must be overhauled to ensure an American business presence there makes sense.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 16, 2016 -
Minneapolis Southwest light rail price tag rises to $1.86B
Transportation officials said that for each week the project is delayed after Oct. 1, costs will increase by $1 million.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 15, 2016