Construction Materials Panel Finds Canadian Softwood Lumber Imports Harm U.S. Producers After U.S. ITC ruling, next step is Commerce Dept. import duty determination Tom Ichniowski January 7, 2017 No Comments NAHB is concerned that lumber import restrictions could cut supply and boost prices significantly.Read More
Infrastructure Projects Study: 40 Projects Promise Big Economic Boosts, But Face Hurdles Treasury: Lack of funds is key factor holding up most projects Tom Ichniowski January 6, 2017 One Comment Report says infrastructure projects' capital costs total $330 billion; benefits range from $500 billion to $1 trillion.Read More
Transportation China Unveils Ambitious High-speed Rail Expansion Plan Program calls for 10,000 km of additional track in next three years Saibal Dasgupta January 6, 2017 One Comment The world's longest HSR link, connecting Shanghai and Kumming, began operation Dec. 28.Read More
Construction Workforce Construction Dec. Jobless Rate Up From Nov., Dips Year Over Year Industry shed 3,000 jobs vs. Nov. but gained 102,000 since Dec. 2015. Tom Ichniowski January 6, 2017 No Comments December rate, not seasonally adjusted, increased to 7.4% from November's 5.7% but declined from year-earlier 7.5%.Read More
Israel and China Sign Construction Worker Import Pact The Israelis will bring in up to 20,000 workers in next few years to cut residential building costs. Neal Sandler January 4, 2017 No Comments Israelis will bring in up to 20,000 workers in next few years to cut costs in residential building.Read More
Construction Economics Construction Nov. Spending Up Slightly From Oct. Level Census Bureau report also shows 4.1% gain from year-earlier spending figure Tom Ichniowski January 3, 2017 No Comments Industry economists note that Nov. $1.18-trillion rate was highest since 2006; nonresidential sector's level strongest in eight years.Read More
Federal Buildings State Dept. Awards Two Major Embassy Construction Contracts House panel's Republicans criticize embassy-building bureau's 'Design Excellence' program Tom Ichniowski January 3, 2017 No Comments Caddell wins contracts to build consulates in India, Saudi Arabia; State picks design firms for three other projects.Read More
Energy Viewpoint Smart Utilities Enable Smart Cities: Creating the Smart Cities of the Future By Mike Beehler and Meghan Calabro December 28, 2016 No Comments Smart cities are coming, and electric utilities should become partners in ushering in this new era.Read More
Environment China Imposes Pollution Tax on Heavy Industries Questions remain whether the measure would encourage clean-tech investment Saibal Dasgupta December 28, 2016 No Comments China is waiting to see if U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will scrap the Paris climate deal, as his campaign promised. Read More
Construction Unions Treasury OKs Construction Union Pension Plan's Benefit-Cut Request Ironworkers local's pension-plan members to vote on the proposed reductions Tom Ichniowski December 27, 2016 One Comment Decision is Treasury's first benefit-cut approval under 2014 multi-employer pension law.Read More