High-speed rail planners shifting focus to private money after government funding woes

Developers are partnering with international firms who are eager to invest money and technological expertise in U.S. bullet train systems, according to Reuters.

By Kim Slowey • May 6, 2016

The Force isn't strong with Chicago: Lucas considering alternative cities for museum

George Lucas' wife, Mellody Hobson, said the Friends of the Park are denying the city a large "philanthropic gift" by preventing the plans from going forward.

By Kim Slowey • May 5, 2016

Gilbane pushes OSHA to adopt 6-foot mandatory harness rule for all workers

The company said its stringent use of safety harnesses has protected at least 20 employees from potentially fatal falls.

By Kim Slowey • May 5, 2016

Building for earthquake threats: How seismic design can ensure clients 'sleep better'

New buildings in the earthquake-prone areas of the U.S. are the benificiaries of the latest technologies, but the real challenge lies in upgrading existing structures.

By Kim Slowey • May 5, 2016

Report: WA convention center paid Skanska-Hunt $8M in dispute settlement

The agreement allows convention center officials to choose a new contractor for the $1.4 billion renovation.

By Kim Slowey • May 4, 2016

NJ builder fails 21st OSHA inspection, faces $900K in total fines

The agency said the "serial violator" demonstrates the need for OSHA's National Safety Stand-Down, which begins today.

By Kim Slowey • May 2, 2016

Nonunion labor gaining slight foothold in Boston

Trade unions remain strong in the city, but the need for skilled labor and efforts to keep housing affordable have created more opportunities for nonunion workers.

By Kim Slowey • May 2, 2016

CA board approves revised $64B bullet train plan

The changes are considered a way to make up for a funding shortfall and to achieve at least one operating segment.

By Kim Slowey • May 2, 2016

Skanska-Hunt settles $1.4B WA convention center termination dispute

Although terms of the deal were not revealed, Washington State Convention Center officials said they can now move forward in hiring a new contractor.

By Kim Slowey • April 28, 2016

Report: Construction industry sees highest number of Latino, immigrant worker deaths

The AFL-CIO reported that after many years of declines, fatalities in construction began to tick upward from a 9.7 fatality rate in 2013 to 9.8 in 2014. 

By Kim Slowey • April 28, 2016

Inside construction lobbying: Why 'paralyzed' Congress motivates industry to accelerate efforts

One industry lobbyist said of most lawmakers, "Do they really want to know about construction? Do they really care about construction? Probably not."

By Kim Slowey • April 28, 2016

How contractors can use mechanic's liens to avoid getting 'burned'

While often a last-ditch tool to ensure payment, mechanic's liens provide valuable rights that experts say offer an additional level of security for contractors.

By Kim Slowey • April 26, 2016

Dominion Energy delays construction of $5.1B Atlantic Coast Pipeline

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has not yet issued the pipeline permit due to questions about the environmental impact of the current route.

By Kim Slowey • April 26, 2016

OSHA fines AL contractor $44K for trench safety violations

OSHA said it initiated its investigation of Sanders Plumbing as part of a National Emphasis Program dealing with excavation and trenching.

By Kim Slowey • April 22, 2016

Irving, TX delays approval of $1B Verizon development

City Council members said they do not want an influx of multifamily units before Verizon builds the development's office space.

By Kim Slowey • April 21, 2016

San Francisco passes mandatory solar ordinance for new buildings

Under the Better Roofs mandate, new buildings with 10 stories or less must have solar panels.

By Kim Slowey • April 21, 2016

NYC officials pushing statewide design-build regulation

The state of New York requires the design-bid-build process on most projects, but made an allowance for two renovations.

By Kim Slowey • April 21, 2016

Snarl of codes and regulations 'ultimate inhibitor' to going green

Experts say homeowners' association rules around aesthetics are often the biggest obstacles.

By Kim Slowey • April 20, 2016

OSHA fines IL roofer $58K for fall protection violations

The citation comes just two weeks before the agency's "National Safety Stand-Down" initative, which aims to promote fall protection safety.

By Kim Slowey • April 20, 2016

NAHB takes case against new OSHA silica rule to Congress

However, the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, a proponent of the standard, said the hearing was "nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to undermine this much needed regulatory reform."

By Kim Slowey • April 20, 2016

NE Gov. signs $450M transportation funding bill

The Nebraska Transportation Innovation Act will fund the completion of state highway projects and launch a bridge repair program.

By Kim Slowey • April 20, 2016

Hillary Clinton to building unions: 'Organized labor will always have a champion in the White House'

During a conference Tuesday, the presidential candidate said that if elected, she will fight to support prevailing wage standards and project labor agreements.

By Emily Peiffer • April 19, 2016

OH contractor jailed, ordered to pay $88K for stealing $80K from elderly

An Ohio court found contractor Allan Vertucci guilty of theft for charging an elderly couple for work that left their house in "deplorable" conditions.

By Kim Slowey • April 18, 2016

Report: Construction pays highest tax rate of any industry

The ABC urged Congress to enact reform and lower the effective tax rate to ensure that the construction industry recovery continues.

By Kim Slowey • April 18, 2016

WSJ: NYC construction unions 'losing their grip' on private market

Major companies like Tishman and Turner have passed on renewing certain collective bargaining agreements for private city projects, according to The Journal.

By Kim Slowey • April 18, 2016