Dredging companies and construction firms that do land-subdivision work soon will face a higher maximum revenue level to qualify for federal small-business aid programs offering, for example, loans and contracts.

A Small Business Administration final rule, which takes effect on Jan. 22, hikes dredging firms' "size standard" in average annual receipts, to $25.5 million from $20 million. Land-subdivision firms' mark rises to $25.5 million from $7.5 million.

Other SBA construction category standards were unchanged: General contractors' level remains at $33.5 million; specialty-trade contractors' mark is still at $14 million.