LaHood Praises AGC as a Valuable Partner Secretary of the Department of Transportation Ray LaHood partnered with AGC to hold a press conference on the importance of underground damage prevention. This follows on the heels of an event in March where the Secretary kicked off National Safe Digging Month at CONEXPO-CON/AGG.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood attended AGC’s 92nd Annual Convention in Las Vegas to discuss pipeline safety and federal investment in transportation infrastructure. 

At AGC’s 92nd Annual Convention held in Las Vegas, Nev., the Municipal & Utilities Division Contractors took the opportunity to learn more about one of the most unique construction projects that happened to be just outside of Las Vegas.

Oregon’s Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer project was named the most significant construction project of 2010. The project’s contractor, Advanced American Construction, Inc., was the grand award winner while 19 other firms received the AGC’s Aon Build America Awards in other categories.

AGC released a new national plan detailing measures to stimulate demand for construction.

The month of April is designated as National Safe Digging Month, and AGC is working with its network of Chapters and its contractor members to help raise awareness of pipeline safety, underground damage prevention, and excavation safety.

The new Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water at EPA, Nancy Stoner, testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment at a hearing concerning EPA’s FY12 water program budget.

This month’s Common Ground Alliance update includes a preview of the CGA Annual Excavation Safety Conference and Expo held March 8-10, 2011 in Orlando, FL (more information here), Technical Assistance Grants Applications, what to expect from the Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) in the coming year, and early details on 811 day this August.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has released its summary document of state damage prevention laws. The document summarizes state damage prevention laws relative to specific characteristics of the laws as they relate to requirements applicable to excavators and utility operators.

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution (CR) for the rest of FY11, which will fund the government after the current CR expires on March 4.