On Nov. 21, Congress sent FY 2020 funding legislation to President Trump that includes AGC-backed repeal of a $7.6 billion cut to federal highway funding, known as a “rescission,” that was scheduled to take place on July 1, 2020. This rescission—required by the current federal highway and transit law, the FAST Act— would have affected all 50 states and the District of Columbia by limiting local flexibility and possibly hindering the ability to plan and carry out critical projects. AGC applauds Congress’ action to repeal this rescission and will continue to monitor the progress of FY 2020 spending legislation to ensure continued investment in our nation’s infrastructure.
As the U.S. House of Representatives considers a suite of bills to spur action on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), AGC and industry allies urged policymakers to rely on the science and support the federal agencies in their efforts to research and set protective risk-based standards. PFAS are a large and diverse group of chemicals and a one-size-fits-all approach would not be appropriate.
Employers Must Now Submit Openings for Advertising on DOL Website
The agenda for AGC of America’s 2020 Annual Convention includes three sessions specifically for union contractors. The convention will run from March 9-12 in Las Vegas, NV, co-located with the CONEXPO-CON/AGG industry trade show. Registration is now open at https://convention.agc.org/.
On Nov. 15, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized an AGC-supported rule expanding the universal waste regulations to include aerosol cans and streamlining the management of this waste. It should help construction firms maintain a lower-tier generator category, because aerosol cans are often the only hazardous waste stream produced on a construction site. The also rule promotes safe puncturing practices and recycling. EPA estimates it will reduce the regulatory cost between $5.3 million to $47.8 million annually.
Check out AGC’s new jobsite tour brochure that will assist you in hosting state and local elected officials on tours of construction jobsites. This brochure provides information on how to successfully plan and execute a successful jobsite visit with an elected official from the invitation to the thank you notes. As you may know, one of AGC’s advocacy goals this year has been to help member companies host job site tours for members of Congress to provide a hands-on learning experience of the construction industry. These events have been successful in discussing workforce development, infrastructure funding, federal regulations, and other issues critical to our members with those who have legislative authority over our industry. While AGC will continue to complete jobsite tours with members of Congress, we hope you will use this resource to host state and local elected officials on your construction jobsites.
On Nov. 12, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced approximately $900 million in grant awards through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) transportation grant program to improve the Nation’s surface transportation infrastructure. The fiscal year 2019 funding was awarded on a competitive basis to 55 projects across the country. The BUILD grants program receives federal funding through the annual transportation, housing and urban development, and related agencies appropriation bill. To view the list of projects and the summaries of individual projects, please click here.
On Nov. 14, AGC joined transportation stakeholders in urging Congress to repeal a $7.6 billion cut to federal highway funding, known as a “rescission,” scheduled for July 1, 2020. The rescission—required by the FAST Act—affects all 50 states and the District of Columbia (specific impacts by state here) by limiting local flexibility and possibly hindering the ability to plan and carry out critical projects. Specific information on the impact to individual states is needed to bolster the case for corrective legislative action. To that end, AGC is requesting that AGC chapters and members please share any information regarding the short- and long-term impacts of the rescission on individual states with AGC’s Murphie Barrett.
AGC’s Lean Construction Forum is focused on growing the implementation of lean practices in the construction industry by providing educational opportunities and developing a community where anyone with an interest in lean construction can come together to engage in a dialog on best practices, share information, and participate in a broad, coordinated effort to promote and define the use of lean concepts and processes within the construction industry.