Critical Path

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Kudos to Popular Mechanics for publishing an updated edition of "Debunking 9/11 Myths"

The short-term disruption along the U.S. east coast during the passage of Hurricane Irene this weekend is, of course, a concern, but more worrisome is the potential for long-term damage from storm surge and coastal and interior flooding as the broad, lumbering monster rolls up the coastline

Construction fatalities in the private sector declined by nearly 10% in 2010, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released Aug. 25. This appears to be a trend, as construction fatalities have gone down every year since 2006. In total, fatalities are down 40% since 2006. Overall,

With the federal motor fuels tax, and authority to spend the revenue it generates, set to expire on Sept. 30, states say a failure to extend the tax will cause highway and transit construction programs to shut down.

President Obama plans to propose additional job-creation and deficit-cutting steps after the August recess. Construction hopes the plan will include a boost for infrastructure.

The tale of how a 55-person firm from Seattle unwittingly designed the steel frame of the twin towers of the World Trade Center so they could save more than 20,000 lives on 9/11.

After weeks of high anxiety, Congress has approved legislation to raise  raise the debt limit and thus avert federal default. The measure, which President Obama signed on Aug. 2, also mandates at least $2.1 trillion in deficit reduction, much of it from spending cuts. Construction's key question: Where will the cuts fall?

As lawmakers search for ways to boost highway funding--other than the gas tax--the Association of Equipment Manufacturers is calling for a new fee on vehicles traveling on the Interstates and another on commercial trucks.

After Boehner rejected Obama revenue-raising piece of deficit-reduction plan, resolution of debt and deficit issue is unclear.

Congress adjourned on July 22 without passing an extension of FAA programs, triggering stop-work directives on ongoing projects and a halt to new airport-grant awards.