Government

Washington Observer; federal agency and congressional policy-setting, regulation and enforcement; budgets and taxation; project finance; state and local agency regulation and enforcement.

Latest Updates On The Coronavirus Pandemic

ENR tracks new industry impacts as COVID-19 forces project closures and interrupts global business.

UK Approves Tunnels to Replace Road Around Stonehenge

Peter Reina

November 30, 2020

No Comments

Controversial decision triggers threats of lawsuit over work that would "trash" the site, according to opponents.

Infrastructure Funding

Cash-Strapped PennDOT Makes Emergency Borrowing Pitch to State Legislators

Jim Parsons

November 30, 2020

No Comments

Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering Pennsylvania Dept. of Transportation appeal for emergency authorization to borrow $600 million by Dec. 1.

Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing's Grand Rapids, Mich., fill and finish facility.

COVID-19 and Construction

Vaccine Focus Brings Aseptic Manufacturing, EPC Firms into Limelight

With shell nearly complete, contractor worked past COVID-19 obstacles to finish Michigan vaccine plant

Jeff Yoders

November 24, 2020

No Comments

U.S. production facilities for COVID-19 vaccines nearing approval for Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are delivered by EPC contractors. But supply chain availability has been a tricky process.

Electrical Power

Bechtel Team to Build $3-$6B Nuclear Test Reactor in Idaho

Mary B. Powers

Debra K. Rubin

November 24, 2020

3 Comments

MIT says nuke power plant design-builders can cut rising costs to propel use in U.S. energy transformation.

Public Works

Why the Portland Contract Equity Program Got Poor Reviews

The Oregon city's procurement chief resigns despite support from minority contractors

Richard Korman

November 24, 2020

No Comments

But a state minority contractors group differs on key points from a city audit of set-aside contracting results.

Highway Infrastructure

FHWA Proposes Changes in Design Standards for Highway Repairs, Resurfacing

Tom Ichniowski

November 24, 2020

No Comments

Agency says proposal would provide additional flexibility to state DOTs.

Ten Minutes With STO's James K. 'Jim' Donaghy

From the C-Suite: What Joe Biden Can Do For Construction

November 23, 2020

No Comments

STO Building Group executive chairman Jim Donaghy has key thoughts for the incoming administration. The firm is the seventh largest Top 400 listed contractor.

Amtrak requests $4.9B in Funding for 2021

Rail Infrastructure

Amtrak 2021 Infrastructure Plan Hinges on $4.9B Funding Request

Tom Ichniowski

November 23, 2020

No Comments

CEO said if the railroad doesn't get the requested federal funds, it will have to make further cuts in rail service and its workforce.

Coronavirus and Construction

California Emergency COVID-19 Rules Again Prompt Confusion

Erica Berardi

November 22, 2020

No Comments

As the state faces record virus cases, CAL/OSHA is set to issue new notification, testing and reporting mandates for employers on top of current varying city and county regulations.

Tetra Tech Sues EPA, Navy in New S.F. Base Toxic Cleanup Skirmish

Mary B. Powers

November 22, 2020

No Comments

Firm claims agencies lack evidence to make it liable for estimated $100M cost to re-analyze risks in residential rebuild of controversial Superfund site; developer Lennar also sues to recoup costs