Industry News

U.S. Construction / Infrastructure

Turner Building Cost Index forecasts construction cost to increase slightly in Q2
Turner Construction Co.'s second quarter 2011 Turner Building Cost Index has slightly increased over the first quarter of 2011.
Equipment World – 6/16/2011

Construction Material Costs Increase in May
Contractors suffered from a new round of price increases for key materials in May but were largely unable to pass their costs along to customers, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.
Construction Equipment – 6/14/2011

New Report Warns of Strain on U.S. Cities to Maintain Assets and Build Infrastructure Projects as Federal Funding Declines
America's infrastructure investments -- levels of which have long trailed behind those of Asia and Europe -- will be further stifled this year by pressures to cut federal spending and reduce the deficit, compelling cities to be evermore creative and resourceful in securing partnerships to start or continue infrastructure projects, according to Infrastructure 2011: A Strategic Priority.
Compact Equipment Online – 5/17/2011

Construction Materials Prices Rise 1.4 Percent in April
In what appears to be an ongoing trend, the cost of construction materials prices increased by 1.4 percent in April, according to the May 12 Department of Labor's Producer Price Index (PPI) report. Prices are now 7.1 percent higher from the same time last year.
Compact Equipment Online – 5/13/2011

EPA Launches New Strategy to Promote Use of Green Infrastructure
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is launching a new strategy to promote the use of green infrastructure by cities and towns to reduce stormwater runoff that pollutes our nation's streams, creeks, rivers, lakes and coastal waters.
Compact Equipment Online – 4/29/2011

Advertising Campaign Continues Push for New Federal Transportation Investments
In collaboration with the Transportation Construction Coalition and Americans for Transportation Mobility, AGC and the Ohio Contractors Association launched an ad campaign in Ohio Thursday to push for new federal transportation investments and legislation.
The Associated General Contractors of America – 4/26/2011

Soaring March Materials Costs Strain Contractors' Margins
Contractors' financial position grew more precarious in March as prices for key materials escalated while prices construction firms charge for completed projects stayed flat, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released last week by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
ForConstructionPros.com – 4/22/2011

Half of Cuts in Federal Budget Compromise Come Out of Construction
After several long weeks of negotiations, the White House and House Republicans announced in the late hours of April 8 that they have agreed on a $1.208 trillion spending package for the remainder of FY 2011.
ForConstructionPros.com – 4/18/2011

US Senate May Have To Consider Smaller Highway Bill -Sen Baucus
The U.S. Congress may have to consider a much smaller highway-funding bill than initially planned because of a steep drop in revenue from the federal gasoline tax, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus said Thursday.
Wall Street Journal – 4/15/2011

DOT Offers $319M in Repayment for Damaged Roads
The U.S DOT will provide more than $319 million to states across the nation to cover the costs of repairing roads and bridges damaged by a variety of natural disasters.
Construction Equipment – 4/12/2011