New research by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis (HCRA) at the School of Public Health estimates that the additional fine-particulate matter emissions that can be traced back to traffic congestion in the nation’s 83 largest urban areas lead to more than 2,200 premature deaths in the U.S. last year. The related public health cost, is conservatively at least $18 billion, researchers say.The study, “The Public Health Costs of Traffic Congestion: A Health Risk Assessment,” was published in the scientific journal “Environmental Health.” It is the first to attempt to quantify the public health implications of growing traffic congestion in
Construction spending inched up for the second straight month in April, 0.4% – following downward revisions to the March spending figures – thanks to increases in private nonresidential and home-improvement spending, the Associated General Contractors of America reported in late May in an analysis of new Census Bureau data. Association officials noted, however, that the gains were tempered by sluggish homebuilding and declining levels of public investment in construction.“Overall economic conditions seem better than they have been for several years, which normally leads to well-rounded construction growth,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But these figures may be deceptively
Construction employment patterns diverged across the country in April as 19 states plus the District of Columbia added jobs over the past year, even as losses deepened in others, the Associated General Contractors of America reported last week in an analysis of state employment data released by the Labor Department. Association officials said the figures reflect an uneven and unsteady construction industry recovery that could be undermined by looming cost increases and public sector funding cuts. “It is good to see more states adding construction jobs for the year in April than at any point since February 2008,” said Ken
Associated Builders and Contractors recognized 16 member companies and two individuals for their outstanding safety efforts at the ABC Safety and Scholarship Awards Banquet held in Denver on May 19. “ABC congratulates our safety award winners for their outstanding safety records and proven dedication to construction work place safety,” said Mark Latimer, president and CEO of ABC Rocky Mountain. “Creating safe work environments is a top priority for ABC, and we are proud to recognize companies who strive to maintain outstanding safety programs, policies and procedures.” Most Improved Safety Program Gracon Corp., Loveland Outstanding Safety Program for General Contractors Less
The Colorado Chapter of Society for Marketing Professional Services hosted the annual Marketing Excellence Awards in Denver on May 19. The event highlighted the industry�s best-of-the-best marketing pieces and individuals. The following members were recipients of individual awards. • Leonardo Award: Karen Gilbert, Fentress Architects, for achievement at the highest level in A/E/C marketing and business development. Gilbert is director of marketing for Fentress Architects. • Member of the Year: Kim Robertson, Norris Design, who currently serves on the Communications and Marketing Excellence Awards committees. Her activities have included spearheading the graphics and themes for the annual Marketing Excellence Awards
New construction starts in April were reported at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $400.2 billion, basically the same amount as March, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, a division of The McGraw-Hill Cos. Nonresidential building slipped back after its elevated March pace, while nonbuilding construction (public works and electric utilities) continued to retreat. In contrast, residential building in April registered a moderate gain, helped by upward movement for multifamily housing. During the first four months of 2011, total construction on an unadjusted basis came in at $122.1 billion, down 9% from the same period of 2010. The April data produced a
The construction industry added 5,000 jobs in April while the industry’s unemployment rate declined slightly to 17.8%, nearly twice the national average, according to an analysis of new federal employment data recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the figures continue a yearlong trend of little change in construction employment after years of steep declines and predicted the stagnation is unlikely to change soon. “The construction industry may have stopped bleeding jobs, but there is no sign that employment levels are set to bounce back,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “With declines in
Contractors were able only to partially pass on the costs of rising petroleum and metals prices in April, according to a recent analysis of producer price index figures released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the resulting cost squeeze—a result of sluggish demand for construction—will push more construction employees and firms out of work unless public officials act promptly to encourage public and private investment. “Contractors have been clobbered for several months by double-digit price hikes for diesel fuel, copper and steel products,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Worse, the price squeeze is hitting