In April, available construction jobs edged up in Nevada, while construction jobs were off by 2,200 in Arizona and 1,100 in New Mexico. Nevertheless, there seems to be general optimism among construction professionals about the job market among the southwestern states.In April, Nevada’s construction jobs edged up to 62,600, reflecting a 9.4% increase year-over-year on the month. The state’s overall unemployment rate was down to 8% in April, and its civilian labor force was down to 1,376,000 in April. In March, the labor force was up from about 1,373,400 in February to 1,380,800, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Arizona State University Athletic Director Ray Anderson revealed some new details about renovations to Sun Devil Stadium at the Tempe Historical Museum in mid-April, including that previous renderings had been withdrawn as the university seeks to make the new facility a 365-day a year attraction. By Jason Fifield Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., under construction in Mid-April. “We believe that a refurbished renewed facility will be a shining light,” Anderson says.Anderson says the university is in the process of selecting a design firm and getting feedback but from all stakeholders to determine exactly what attractions will be added while
The world’s tallest observation wheel took its inaugural spin on March 31 on the Las Vegas Strip. By John Guzzon The Linq observation wheel is now open in Las Vegas. The 550-ft-tall, 28-cabin “Las Vegas High Roller” anchors Caesar Entertainment’s recently opened $550-million, 200,000-sq-ft. Linq entertainment complex. The 520-ft-dia., 1,120-passenger wheel is taller than the London Eye and 9-ft. higher than the former record holder, Singapore Flyer. American Bridge Co., Coraopolis, Penn., was the general contractor, with the San Francisco office of Arup as engineer-of-record.However, an observation wheel planned for the northeast side of Staten Island could soon wrest title
Alvin C. Dominguez has joined Wilson and Co., where he will be responsible for developing and sustaining client relationships in southern New Mexico. Dominguez is a Native American with 28 years of engineering leadership experience. He was formerly a technical support engineer for the New Mexico Dept. of Transportation and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Related Links: Engineering News Record Architectural Record Lawrence Pobuda has been hired as senior vice president and general manager of Opus Development Co. in Phoenix. The firm works in such sectors as office, industrial and residential real estate. Pobuda had
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed SB 1307 Tuesday night in an attempt to counter a 2012 bill and prevent the Occupational Safety and Health Administration from asserting its federal oversight role over all industries in Arizona — including residential and commercial construction — but only time will tell whether it will be enough. Mark Minter, executive director of the Arizona Builders Alliance says SB 1307 is a “conditional repeal” action of SB 1441, passed in 2012, that will only go into effect if OSHA follows through on a “show cause” letter delivered to the Industrial Commission of Arizona in March.
It’s smart to hedge high-risk bets, especially in Las Vegas. The Southern Nevada Water Authority did just that by buying a builder’s risk policy prior for the $817 million third intake project at Lake Mead. Backed by a half dozen reinsurers, the policy offers up to $650 million in loss coverage on a $10 million premium. The water authority bought it from Lloyd’s of London through Marsh LLC, New York City, after a year of discussion and research.Insurance proved a prudent bet as the project has grappled with flooding delays, cost overruns and a worker fatality. The agency last month
The construction job count edged upward in Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada during the month of February. In Arizona, there were about 126,000 construction jobs in February up from 125,500 in January, reflecting a 3.6% year-over-year increase on the month. The state’s overall unemployment rate was 7.3% in February, down from 7.5% in January. Arizona’s civilian labor force numbered about 3,006,200, up from 3,004,300 in January.“In Arizona, job growth in particular with regard to construction, statewide we are seeing a bit of a bounceback in the construction industry,” said Robert Carreira of southeast Arizona’s Center for Economic Research at Cochise
From December to January, construction jobs were slightly down in Nevada and Arizona, and slightly up in New Mexico, according to statistics made public this week by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Nevada, there were about 59,500 jobs in January up from 58,300 jobs in December, and reflecting a 4.4% year-over-year increase on the month. The state’s overall unemployment rate was 8.7% in January, down from 9% December. Nevada’s civilian labor force numbered 1,367,600 in January, up from 1,364,700 in December.In Arizona, there were about 125,000 construction jobs in January, down from 125,300 construction jobs in December, while
Bob Harper, vice president of Gilbane Building Co., has rejoined the firm's business unit in Phoenix as senior business development manager after three years in Houston. He has worked at Gilbane for 44 years.Harper Related Links: Engineering News Record Architectural Record Edward "Ned" McKnight has joined Shepley Bulfinch as a senior member of its health care design practice in Phoenix. McKnight is a member of the American Institute of Architects.Paul Kinne has returned to Panattoni Development Co. as development manager in Reno. He had been vice president of the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada and had been at Panattoni
Kenneth Bowyer of All Crane Rental of Florida won the 2014 MCM & CIC Crane Operator Skills Championship last week in Las Vegas, Nev., beating out other operators from throughout the U.S. and Canada, including two entrants who qualified at CONEXPO-CON/AGG. By John Guzzon An operator navigates a barrel through a slalom course during the MCM & CIC Crane Operator Skills Championship last week in Las Vegas, Nev. By John Guzzon James Tom of Bakers Welders and Crane, Zanesville, Ohio measures his skills against a simulator at the CIC booth at CONEXPO-CON/AGG March 3. First runner-up is Bruce Gay, a