Legal/Regulation: Page 80
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SC contractors indicted in $350M DBE fraud case
Federal prosecutors allege that the seven construction executives set up a network of puppet businesses in order to win government contracts.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 8, 2016 -
Deep Dive
Buy America requirements: A boon for the US economy or a bust for construction firms?
Despite the good intention of the laws, some construction groups say they can drive up costs for contractors and limit their ability to compete in a global market.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 4, 2016 -
Court decision could derail plans for $5.6B MD Purple Line
A U.S. District Judge said Maryland could not ignore the possible negative ramifications of Metro's recent issues on the proposed 16-mile light rail system.
By Emily Peiffer • Aug. 4, 2016 -
Deep Dive
Drawing the line: Does heightened legal enforcement 'cultivate change' in the construction industry?
Criminal prosecution for accidents on a job site can be complicated, as there are so many "cooks in the kitchen" that it's difficult to determine who is at fault.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 3, 2016 -
Donald Trump vows to 'at least double' Hillary Clinton's infrastructure investment
The Republican presidential candidate said his plan, exceeding $500 billion, would be funded through bonds.
By Emily Peiffer • Aug. 3, 2016 -
OSHA slaps major TX contractor with $124K fine for excavation safety violations
Renda Contracting, which has been awarded more than $450 million worth of Dallas projects in the last decade, disputed the claims and plans to appeal the fine.
By Emily Peiffer • Aug. 3, 2016 -
MA construction companies shell out $2.4M to settle overtime wage fraud charges
Prosecutors have ramped up their focus on worker misclassification cases, as some employers attempt to skirt rules requiring extra payment and benefits.
By Emily Peiffer • Aug. 3, 2016 -
CA bill fast-tracks environmental review of $100M-plus projects
The law, which was first passed in 2011, aims to move "environmentally friendly mega-projects" forward to create an economic boon for the state.
By Emily Peiffer • Aug. 2, 2016 -
Deep Dive
Survey: Would Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton be best for the construction industry?
From infrastructure spending to housing policy, the next president will have a major impact on the industry. Who do you think is best for the job, and why?
By Emily Peiffer • Aug. 1, 2016 -
OSHA fines 2 NY contractors $117K for fall protection, electrical hazard violations
New York has increased attention on city job site safety incidents and ramped up stop-work orders amid an uptick in construction-related deaths and injuries.
By Emily Peiffer • Aug. 1, 2016 -
CA jury awards $16M to family of construction worker killed on job site
The jury found that Atlas Construction Supply did not adequately secure wall form structures, which caused Edgar Gonzalez to fall 30 feet to his death.
By Kim Slowey • July 29, 2016 -
San Francisco changes zoning laws to allow conversion of small extra spaces into rental units
The new rule is expected to create up to 14,000 more housing units in the city, which is grappling with a lack of affordable options for its residents.
By Kim Slowey • July 28, 2016 -
AZ contractor ordered to pay $48K in worker misclassification case
The owner said he was unaware the firm broke the law when it misclassified workers as independent contractors and failed to pay required overtime.
By Kim Slowey • July 28, 2016 -
Facebook aims to ease Menlo Park expansion worries with construction of 1,500 apartments
The tech giant's move to help address the housing shortage in Silicon Valley could become a trend among other companies growing their operations in the area.
By Kim Slowey • July 27, 2016 -
Opinion
As P3s are poised for growth, how will regulators respond?
In a guest article from Vic Lance, the surety bond expert explores the state and national implications of the growing public-private partnership trend.
By Vic Lance • July 27, 2016 -
UPDATE: NJ Gov. rejects state Democrats' proposal to end highway project shutdown
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said he believed the proposal didn't cut taxes enough and wasn't rooted in "tax fairness."
By Emily Peiffer , Kim Slowey • July 26, 2016 -
Wynn secures approval to start construction on $2.1B MA casino
The project, which will be built by Suffolk Construction, was held up after officials from a neighboring town filed a series of legal challenges against it.
By Kim Slowey • July 26, 2016 -
NYC ramps up stop-work orders amid safety concerns, building boom
Between 2012 and 2016, new construction permits have increased 25%, but stop-work orders have skyrocketed 70%.
By Kim Slowey • July 26, 2016 -
Mortenson Construction enters into PLA for $524M Milwaukee Bucks arena project
The agreement establishes a prevailing wage guarantee, dispute resolution process and veteran employment program.
By Kim Slowey • July 26, 2016 -
Beleaguered Seattle tunnel project facing $223M cost overrun, 3-year delay
The Alaskan Way Viaduct project has been plagued by delays and internal disputes since tunnel boring machine Bertha's first breakdown in 2013.
By Kim Slowey • July 25, 2016 -
Crain's op-ed: Harco conviction sets dangerous precedent
Attorney Brad Gerstman said construction is an inherently dangerous business, but the Harco ruling could make contractors criminally liable for accidents.
By Kim Slowey • July 22, 2016 -
To increase infrastructure and transportation projects, New Hampshire adopts P3 law
The law allows the state government to enter into public-private partnerships in order to address a long work agenda.
By Kim Slowey • July 21, 2016 -
Tesla, contractors, foreign worker agree to $550K settlement
The injured worker, reportedly brought over from Slovenia to work at Tesla's factory in Fremont, CA, claimed he wasn't paid the promised wages and worked under a visa that forbids construction work.
By Kim Slowey • July 21, 2016 -
Napa County, CA explores 'first source' hiring
Officials said they want to make sure that local workers get hiring priority for large-scale construction projects.
By Kim Slowey • July 20, 2016 -
Ruling helps to clear way for new Golden State Warriors arena
A judge ruled against a group that claimed adequate noise, traffic and environmental studies had not been done to measure the impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
By Kim Slowey • July 20, 2016