Construction employment increased in 145 out of 339 metropolitan areas between January 2012 and January 2013, declined in 141 and was stagnant in 53, according to a new analysis of federal employment data recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that after years of declining construction employment contractors in some metro areas are beginning to worry about the availability of skilled workers now that they have resumed hiring. “Not only are a slight plurality of metro areas adding construction jobs, but those areas appear to be adding jobs at a faster rate than places where
After 28 months of construction, the U.S. General Services Administration rededicated the César E. Chávez Memorial Building in Denver on March 7. The GSA says the goal of the $37-million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act project is to achieve LEED-Silver certification. Photo by Fred Fuhrmeister, Time Frame Photography The project created a new state-of-the-art building exterior featuring an aluminum-and-glass curtain wall system that reduces the buildings energy consumption by 30%. The highlight of the modernization project is a state-of-the-art building exterior consisting of an aluminum-and-glass curtain wall system that reduces the building’s energy consumption by 30% and produces 5% of
The construction industry added 48,000 jobs in February, the ninth consecutive month of job growth for the sector, as more people are working in construction than at any point in the last three-and-a-half years, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned, however, that employment gains remain tenuous and could be undermined if Washington officials fail to reach a deal on federal investment levels later this month.“With construction employment increasing by the largest amount for a single month in nearly six years, the steady improvement in construction hiring is particularly
Construction spending snapped a nine-month string of monthly gains with a sharp decline in January but still rose from year-ago levels, according to a recent analysis of new Census Bureau data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned that across-the-board federal spending cuts known as sequestration, which took effect on March 1, along with a possible shutdown of the federal government later this month, could hit construction harder than most sectors and dampen demand for needed projects.“At first glance, January was a bad month for construction, with a sharp drop in private nonresidential spending, along with small
Despite the 2012 passage of the federal surface transportation law, known as MAP-21, the real value of highway and bridge contract awards over the last 12 months was down 3% compared the previous 12-month period, according to the latest analysis of McGraw-Hill Dodge data by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). Taking into account changes in wages, materials and inflation, state and local governments awarded $54.3 billion in real highway and bridge contract awards between February 2012-January 2013, compared to $55.8 billion in the same 2011-2012 time period. Contract awards are a leading indicator of construction activity
According to a new report recently released by McGraw-Hill Construction entitled “New & Retrofit Green Schools-The Cost Benefits and Influence of a Green School on its Occupants,” both K-12 and universities are reporting significant benefits from their green school efforts—both in improved child health, well-being and performance but also teacher and faculty satisfaction. These results are accompanied by reported financial benefits from green school activities. According to the study, nearly all K–12 school (91%) and university (89%) respondents report that green schools have improved the health and well-being of their students. Additionally, 70% of K –12 schools and 63% of
The Associated Builders and Contractors Rocky Mountain Chapter held its annual Chapter Awards dinner on February 28 at the Embassy Suites Downtown Denver. More than 100 ABC members and guests attended the event. Courtesy of ABC Rocky Mountain Chapter Mark Latimer (left), CEO/president of ABC Rocky Mountain Chapter, and Jeff Erker (far right) present the Young Leader of the Year award to Emilee Cook of LEI Cos. Inc. The Chapter Awards were presented to leaders within the commercial construction industry who have shown outstanding commitment and dedication to the chapter, industry and the merit-shop philosophy through their participation and involvement.The
The American Council of Engineering Cos. of Colorado named Nancy Clanton of Clanton and Associates Inc. as its 2013 Outstanding Woman in Engineering at a special ceremony held Feb. 26 at the Lakewood Country Club. The prestigious award recognizes an outstanding woman in a leadership position for her professional achievements in engineering and as her visible role model for young engineers. Clanton was among six professionals who were nominated by their peers for the award this year. Courtesy of ACEC/CO ACEC/CO 2013 New Faces in Engineering Nominees. Top Row (from left): Chris Muller, Leonard Rice Engineers; Jeff Shay, Eaton Energy
Denver’s Regional Transportation District’s West Rail Line project was one of the most significant construction projects of 2012, says the Associated General Contractors of America. As a result, the project’s contractor, Lakewood, Colo.-based Denver Transit Construction Group, was one of six firms to receive the association’s Alliant Build America Merit Award at the AGC national convention in Palm Springs, Calif., in early March. “These (Build America award-winning) projects are shining examples of the construction industry at its finest, demonstrating tremendous skill, hard work and steadfast determination,” said Joseph H. Jarboe, the association’s president and senior vice president of Bethesda, Md.-based
EST Inc., a full-service civil engineering firm headquartered in Oklahoma City, acquired Denver’s Hedrick & Associates LLC on December 31. Since January 1, the firm has operated under the EST Inc. name. It has also relocated from Littleton to Denver, now at 1873 S. Bellaire St., Suite 835. Gary R. Johnson will serves as EST Colorado division manager in Denver. He has 32 years of experience in transportation planning, traffic engineering, NEPA project management, roadway design and construction management. He has managed numerous high-profile public works and roadway construction projects.“I’m extremely positive about the potential of the Colorado market. Fortunately,
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