Tag Archive for 'clean water'

Maine Voters Reject Tax Reform Initiative, But Approve Infrastructure Investment

Published on June 11, 2010 in Daily Dirt and New England Construction. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , .

On June 8, 2010, Maine voters considered legislation, which would have reformed the state’s tax structure and bond measures that will bolster infrastructure investment. By a large margin, Mainers rejected a law passed last June, LD 1495, to lower the top income tax rate from 8.5 percent to 6.5 percent for state residents earning less than $250,000 annually by broadening the sales tax to include different services and shifting tax burden to nonresidents by increasing the meals and lodging tax from 7 to 8.5 percent.

Supporters of the reform initiative, most notably, Maine AFL-CIO, some regional Chambers of Commerce, the Maine Council of Churches, and the Maine Center for Economic Policy Institute (MECEP), contended that it represented the most substantial reform of the state’s tax code in almost four decades. Overall, MECEP found that the “modestly…progressive” package would have provided “direct help for families struggling to survive in this troubling economic climate, and it is money that will stay in the local and state economies and buoy Maine small businesses.”

Opponents, including conservative groups, the state’s Realty Association, and businesses tied to the tourism industry, who argued against shifting some of the state’s tax burden to tourists and expanding the sales tax base to include different categories of services, gathered the necessary signatures to place the issue up for referendum as Question 1.

While the legislation would have reduced the income tax burden for 95 percent of Maine families and made it easier to apply and receive property tax relief through the state’s circuit breaker program, advocates believe the campaign to support reform faltered due to the complexity of the message.  While many voters readily saw expanding the sales tax base to services as a tax increase, they were skeptical that the state would deliver on lowering the income tax burden.  Sen. Joe Perry, one of the authors of the legislation, reflected on the results, “I never thought I’d see the public vote to raise their own taxes.”

The ballot defeat additionally indicates that while the current sales tax in most states is outdated and designed for an industrial economy in which most consumer-spending went to buying goods, expanding the sales tax to services is still a challenging message to articulate to voters.

Although Mainers rejected changes to the state’s tax structure, voters made clear that they support spending for long-term investments to spur economic development by approving bond measures for “$26.5 million for an offshore wind energy demonstration site, related manufacturing and campus energy conservation; $47.8 million for highways, railroads and marine facilities; and $10.25 million for clean water projects.”

Source: Progressive States Network

Wisconsin 2010 Construction Market Forecast

Published on January 19, 2010 in Articles, Featured Article and Western Builder. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Clearly, still a bit foggy

By Jeff  Winke

A quick check with the Psychics & Mediums Network reveals some startling predictions for 2010:

  • Quantum physicists discover an extraordinary way to generate electricity from water.
  • Secret human cloning experiment attempts to clone famous person.
  • Bin Laden dies.
  • Oil prices shoot through the roof as OPEC makes price-fixing deal with Russia.
  • Barack Obama expresses an interest in holistic healing and ‘world healing’ becomes a dominant theme and key phrase in his 2010 speeches.

At home in Wisconsin, the P&M Network offers no insights on the future – especially the state’s construction market.

So, we contacted three industry experts and asked what their expectations are for the year. The experts are trade association leaders who are in continual contact with their members. Thus, their expectations for the year reflect what their membership is currently experiencing and expecting. They’re not peering into a glass ball, they’re looking through a window.

Our panel of Wisconsin experts included:

  • Kevin W. McMullen, P.E., president of the Wisconsin Concrete Pavement Association
  • Richard W. Wanta, executive director of the Wisconsin Underground Contractors Association (WUCA)
  • Pat Goss, executive director of the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association

Each of our trade association leaders was asked a handful questions about how they see 2010 shaping up … their forecasts for the year.

How has the market started to rebound?

“Wisconsin’s transportation construction industry is cautiously optimistic that the market will show stability in 2010, but there are significant funding issues over the longer term at both the state and federal levels,” Goss states. “Boosted by nearly $300 million in project lettings under the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Wisconsin finished 2009 with a let level of $1.2 billion. This represented a significant increase over the 2008 let level of $792 million and is a testament to the strong public-private partnership that exists in the badger state to advance a proactive infrastructure investment agenda that we hope to see continued through the next year.”

McMullen reports: “The only signs of a rebound that I can see for the concrete paving industry is the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) 2010 construction program. It is very good for our industry considering the current economy and the complete slowdown of construction activity in other sectors. We have a very good state budget and highway program with WisDOT.”

According to Wanta, the Milwaukee market appears to be emblematic of how the state is faring. “Our actual reported work hours for the six-county Milwaukee area were flat in 2009. Fortunately we have large ongoing sewer projects being built by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and other utility projects relating to We Energies.” Wanta continues, “For 11 months ending October 31, 2009, work hours totaled 1.2 million versus 1.1 million during the same period last year.”

Is stimulus funding being applied to any market segments?

“Boosted by nearly $300 million in project lettings under the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Wisconsin finished 2009 with a let level of $1.2 billion,” Goss reports. “This represented a significant increase over the 2008 let level of $79

2 million and is a testament to the strong public-private partnership that exists in the badger state to advance a proactive infrastructure investment agenda.”

According to Goss, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation ramped up quickly to meet the tight obligation deadlines in the federal stimulus bill, and the consultant engineering industry mobilized to deliver a range of projects at the state and local levels. “This work helped stabilize the construction industry during a year fraught with economic uncertainty. There have been a lot of questions raised about the number of jobs created by the stimulus bill, but many state contractors credit the stimulus work for at least helping them maintain their workforces at the previous year’s level.”

Goss continues, “On an inflation-adjusted basis, the stimulus lettings enabled Wisconsin to have the third-largest transportation construction program in the last 20 years. Without the stimulus bill, the constant dollar value of the program would have been among the lowest in 20 years because of successive years of double-digit construction inflation before the current economic downturn.”

McMullen reports, “The concrete paving industry has benefitted from the stimulus funding. Approximately 1.1 million square yards of concrete paving was added to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT) 2009 paving program. This amount of work took us from what appeared to be a very below average year of paving to an average year.”

Continuing, McMullen states, “The 2010 WisDOT program currently contains approximately 550,000 square yards of concrete paving being funded with stimulus dollars. These are projects on state highways. WisDOT had a December 1, 2009, deadline for all projects on the local system. The municipalities were under very tight time frames to complete plans, specifications and estimates on these projects. We are anticipating that the Department will announce the additional construction quantities to be funded by the stimulus dollars in early January 2010.”

For Wisconsin underground contractors, Wanta cautions: “We have not seen any appreciative federal stimulus money in southeastern Wisconsin relative to sewer and water work. We fear that some municipalities may be using stimulus money to balance their budget or pay for projects already designed last year.”

What does the market look like for 2010?

“The concrete paving market, when considering all three market segments – highways, airports and streets/local roads – looks like it will settle out somewhere between 4.0 [million] and 4.5 million square yards,” reports McMullen. “This is an average year for Wisconsin contractors and is certainly well below the capacity of the industry in Wisconsin.”

Wanta offers a few expectations for the year: “The city of Milwaukee 2010 projected sewer miles to be installed or lined is 15.52 miles, 9 percent less than the miles initially projected for 2009 (17 miles), but 12 percent more than currently projected for 2009 (13.8 miles). The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District will bid a 17-mile methane pipeline from Muskego to Jones Island in spring 2010. And perhaps the city of Waukesha will start on their $78 million water project that includes 30 miles of pipeline.”

“We expect the overall level of public transportation construction in 2010 to closely mirror that of 2009, helped by the second season of projects funded by the federal stimulus bill,” Goss says. “Most of these projects will be at the local government level. The caveat in all of this, however, is funding during what is expected to be a slow economic recovery.”

Goss continues: “Motor fuel consumption in Wisconsin declined last year by 3.7 percent. It was the fourth year in the past five
years that the main source of transportation funding in the state has declined, reflecting fewer freight shipments and motorists

2009-2011 State Transportation Revenue $3.5 Billion

migrating to more fuel-efficient vehicles in the face of volatile gas prices.

“With no increase in the state fuel tax in more than three years, the buying power of our primary transportation revenue is declining at the same time other states are diversifying their transportation revenue base to help grow their economies.” Goss concludes, “With ‘jobs and the economy’ rapidly becoming the focus of the 2010 elections for governor and the legislature, our industry will be emphasizing to all candidates that the state’s overreliance on fixed highway user fees is the key impediment to building a multimodal transportation system that promotes a growing economy.”

Have delays in reauthorizing the Highway Trust Fund bill and the Clean Water & Drinking Water bill had an impact on construction for your members?

The delays have had an impact on Wisconsin contractors, according to McMullen: “There continues to be significant concern that the combination of the previous highway authorization, SAFETEA-LU, and the ARRA stimulus dollars is a one-time funding event. Therefore, I see very conservative approaches by the contractors. I do not see companies adding crews or buying new equipment due to the presence of the stimulus dollars.”

He continues, “The approach appears to be that if they get the additional work they will accomplish it with the staff and equipment they currently own. The further delay in the highway trust fund bill will keep the contractors in this mode.” McMullen asserts that “it is imperative that the bill moves forward quickly. The industry needs a six-year snapshot of what to expect before they will take the risk of expanding. They also need to know that the Wisconsin DOT will have the money for engineering and that the projects will begin to flow at the higher funding levels being proposed by Congress.”

Goss points out that “Congress faces a similar dilemma in keeping the federal government a strong partner with states in building a transportation system that connects the nation and moves commerce. The surface transportation bill expired in September and has received a series of short-term extensions because Congress can’t agree on how a new long-term bill should be funded. Plans for a six-year, $500 billion bill have been stymied by the fact that the current 18.4-cent federal gas tax falls woefully short of generating the necessary revenues to adequately fund the measure.”

Wanta, in reference to clean water and drinking water initiatives, states: “Most of the 2009 federal funding for sewer and water improvements went to upstate Wisconsin communities. However, we are expecting good things in 2010 as President Obama signed into law $2.1 billion for collector and interceptor sewer and treatment plant work (a 205 percent increase over 2009) and $1.3 billion for drinking water projects (a 67 percent increase over 2009). Hopefully Wisconsin municipal water and sewer utilities will take advantage of these 20-year subsidized loans to repair and replace their tired sewer and water systems. We have not seen this level of federal funding in over 25 years and it cannot last too long. This is a window of opportunity that comes once in a generation for municipal utilities to get their projects done.”

What trends do you see developing?

Wanta sees that now is a good time for owners to get work done. “Contractors are bidding low to keep people employed and to pay their bills. There are upwards of 14 bidders on public works construction, which can save municipal utilities big money. Smart municipal engineers will take advantage of this weak market to bid and build projects. It will not get any cheaper for the owner.”

Wanta points out that “eventually utilities will make the improvements in sewer, water and natural gas services as they are meeting basic needs of the consumer. With federal tax credits recently signed into law, the housing industry will also improve and provide associated utility work. The construction industry pays family-supported wages, health, and even pension benefits. These jobs pay more than the service sector and provide more tax revenue for the communities and the state. Contractors buy materials, rent or buy equipment, purchase fuel, and provide a lot of ancillary jobs in the economy. The sooner utilities get back to bidding and executing construction contracts, the sooner we will see an improved economy throughout Wisconsin.”

The window is a bit foggy for Wisconsin Concrete Pavement Association members, according to McMullen. There was a decline in the number of municipalities bidding concrete paving projects from 2008 to 2009. “For 2010, it is a bit of a mystery yet on the local streets and roads market. We are not anticipating growth in this market.”

McMullen concludes, “With WisDOT projects we look at both the number of projects and the size of the projects. The number of projects from 2009 to 2010 looks to be about the same but the mix in size of the projects is much better. The 1.1 million squares in stimulus projects added in 2009 was four large paving projects. If you look at the WisDOT program for 2010, they have a much better mix on the size of projects. This is good news because it will keep all sizes of companies bidding WisDOT work. The concrete paving industry continues to be very competitive with multiple bidders on every project. This is good for the citizens of Wisconsin.”

“While the federal stimulus bill has stabilized the public transportation construction market in 2009 and 2010, the longer-term future will remain cloudy until these funding uncertainties at the state and federal levels are resolved,” reports Goss.

“Contractors will not be making long-term investments – in workers, equipment and other capital purchases – until they have greater certainty about the long-term prospects for transportation infrastructure investment,” Goss concludes.

This article appeared in the January 2010 issue of Western Builder, an ACP regional publication.

Public Works: Road To Recovery

Published on December 20, 2009 in Featured Article. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

By Greg Sitek

Public works projects are beginning to stimulate various segments of the construction industry with funding for projects.

We all have a way of tracking the state of the economy as it affects us. So how are we, as an industry and a country, doing? In my opinion we are starting to do better; we are gaining traction; we are gathering momentum and moving ahead.

On what do I base these assumptions? My economic barometer usually falls into a category that  is closely akin to things like furrier caterpillars mean a colder winter; thicker onion layers mean a long, cold winter; and my aching left hip means it’s going to rain. To gauge the economy I check the stock market daily. For awhile, I was checking it several times a day.

When the Dow falls below 9,000, I become seriously concerned; when NASDAQ falls below 2,000 my economic radar starts flashing; and as S&P dips below 1,000, warning buzzers go off in my brain. When all three happen and stay there for any length of time – a week or more – I know we are headed for serious problems. I realize that dabblers, stockbrokers or economists will read this, scratch their heads and wonder where I bought my Ouija board. Like I stated, this is my personal state-of-the-economy barometer.

The fact that these three – DOW went over 9,000 on July 20; NASDAQ went over 2,000 on August 17; S&P went over 1,000 on August 3 – have been over my concern line for a couple of months is not the only reason for my positive comments. The recent ICUEE show drew near-record attendance (visit Site-K Construction Zone for detailed reports on the show, its attendance and show activities) and almost everyone – manufacturers, exhibitors, dealers and contractors – that I talked to was optimistic about the future.

TTT and HEX_05A couple of the manufacturers said that they were having record or near-record years while others stated that they were selling more equipment at the show than they had expected. We were with one manufacturer getting a rundown on the company’s new products when the company president, with whom we were speaking, excused himself to take a call. His comment was, “Please excuse me but I’ve been waiting to hear from a prospective customer who is interested in buying a half-million-dollar piece of equipment.”

It sounded like a legitimate excuse so we waited while he took the call. After hanging up, he turned to us and said, “You’ll have to excuse me, but he’s ready to discuss terms and delivery dates.” We parted company at that point. Later when I saw the gentleman while walking through the show, he stopped me and said, “We got the deal. Things are starting to look up …”

Probably the reason ICUEE was so successful is because it is heavily focused on the non-transportation infrastructure and is a strong public works and utility show. Many attendees said that they were seeing more government jobs being posted.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) allocated $787 billion to stimulate the economy (visit Site-K Construction Zone for extensive coverage on ARRA and the Stimulus Package). Of that total amount, $288 billion has been allocated as tax benefits with only $83.8 billion having been paid out; $275 billion has been designated for contracts, grants and loans with only $52.1 billion spent; and $224 billion has been tagged for entitlements with only $71.4 billion finding its way into use (source: www.recovery.gov). There is a lot of money in play and a lot more to come.

The Department of Transportation has available $30.1 billion; of that only $.85 billion has been paid out. In the last month the payouts have increased and the trend looks like it will continue.

ARTBA

According to a recent article by Matt Jennerett, ARTBA’s vice president of communications, an Illinois asphalt contractor – whose company was awarded contracts for eight new transportation improvement projects that helped save 260 jobs and create 30 new ones – told Congress that the economic stimulus law is working as intended.

Charles Gallagher, president of the family-owned Gallagher Asphalt Corporation in Thorton, Ill., testified on behalf of ARTBA at an Oct. 1 House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee hearing on implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“Without a doubt, the stimulus has helped keep my company afloat during one of the most difficult economic periods our industry has ever experienced,” Gallagher said. “For that, I would like to thank the members of the committee for your efforts to secure as much transportation investment as possible in the recovery act.”

Citing Federal Highway Administration data, Gallagher told the committee the states are meeting the law’s timelines for obligating their transportation funds, and that nearly 4,000 ARRA-financed projects valued at $11 billion are now under construction all across America.

The impact of the ARRA is even more evident when looking at new highway contract awards, Gallagher said. During the first four months of 2009, state and local transportation departments awarded $2.1 billion fewer contracts for highway and bridge construction projects than during the same months of 2008, reflecting recession-driven cuts to state and local highway funding. Since that time, however, in the period between May and August, the value of new contracts for highways and bridges has exceeded 2008’s total by almost $4 billion, with the ARRA more than offsetting state and local budgetary difficulties. The additional work has allowed transportation contractors to sustain – and add to – their workforce, he testified.

Gallagher cautioned the stimulus would only provide a short-term economic “shot in the arm.” The benefits of the law will phase down quickly after 2010, and the jobs it supported this year and next will begin to disappear.

Checking Compaction_03To sustain and build upon the momentum of the ARRA and reenergize the long-term growth potential of the United States, Gallagher called on Congress to take action soon on a six-year, $500 billion surface transportation investment bill as proposed by the T&I Committee.

HIS Global Insight

A recent IHS Global Insight report revealed that the current recession has placed a severe drag on the nationwide construction equipment industry, which is consequently holding back the broader economy from recovery. Other key findings include:

  • The construction equipment industry – including manufacturing, distribution and equipment service facilities – has shed 37 percent of its workforce. By comparison, auto manufacturing and dealership jobs are down by 16 percent, while job losses in the finance and insurance industry amount to 6 percent of that workforce.
  • Spending on construction equipment has fallen by more than 50 percent compared to its peak in 2006.

The economic output of this industry has contracted by nearly 40 percent and resulted in the loss of approximately 550,000 jobs. That’s 8 percent of all jobs lost since the start of the recession.

IHS Global Insight also analyzed the impact of the construction equipment depression on individual states. From “peak-to-trough” – roughly 2006 to 2009 – the states suffering the greatest losses are California, North Dakota, Texas and Wyoming, as seen below.

HSI Chart

Working in spite of …

While at ICUEE we had an opportunity to sit and talk to a Derek Hutchins, president and owner of Hutchins Telecom, based in Louisville, Ky., with a branch in Missouri. Hutchins currently has several jobs going, the biggest of them at Fort Knox, Ky. He does telecom infrastructure work that includes directional boring, trenching, plowing, cable pulling, water and sewer, and offers turnkey solutions to infrastructure construction-related problems.

Before starting his own company three years ago, Hutchins had worked for Vermeer in directional drilling and then worked for several construction companies before deciding to go on his own. Of course he picked the “best time ever” to get into his own business but hasn’t suffered due to the economy. Hutchins says, “I bid a lot of work. I bid everything and usually it’s the kind of work that nobody else wants … hard rock, rough terrain, that kind of stuff.”

The Fort Knox job is 18 miles of fiber cable tying all the training ranges together to command central. According to Hutchins, “This is really rough country. I can see why no one else wanted the job. We’re laying cable through mostly hard rock. The first saw didn’t work at all. We brought in a Tesmec rock saw and it is doing the job.

Other equipment he has on this project includes a Cat420 E, HoRams, a Cat 279 compact track loader, a Cat D 6K dozer, Komatsu D65, and other support equipment. The Fort Knox job is just laying the cable and does not include anything else. Hutchins said that his total operation includes around 30 people. They do their own maintenance on site. He did say the rock saw requires about two hours of pre-work maintenance, “thanks to the terrain we’re operating in.”

Other jobs include a 40,000-foot water project and several other water and sewer projects in Missouri. Hutchins stated that, “30 percent of our projects are water and sewer related.” He noted that stimulus money was slow coming into Kentucky, but that Missouri had been doing quite a bit of stimulus funded work.

Hutchins said that he does a lot of government and military work. “Getting the first job was tough but once we did, it’s gotten easier. We know what to expect and what is expected of us, and they know what we can do and what they are going to get from us.”

“There’s a lot more paperwork you have to do,” Hutchins pointed out. “Awarding contracts has become more qualification-based selection where contractors are rated and ranked. Design-build is becoming more popular as well.” The company has one engineer who is design-build experienced.

“There’s been no shortage of work if you’re willing to tackle it,” Hutchins commented. “There is a lot of money allocated for utilities and government work. You have to be willing to work in some really rough terrain and do things you wouldn’t normally want to do, but it is work – good, good work. There are a lot of targets for cable-type work with all the new school construction going on.”

IMG_1101Some of the challenges Hutchins said he faces include price cutting in some markets where competitive contractors will bid a job at half of what he does. He said that his most serious problem is finding experienced and committed employees. He noted that 50- to 55-year-olds are or will be getting out and there aren’t any replacements following them.

Top 100 Infrastructure Projects:

CG/LA Infrastructure LLC, a leader in infrastructure project identification and development, recently announced the release of the Top 100 U.S. Strategic Infrastructure Projects. The total estimated value of the projects is nearly $465 billion, the investments for which will be spread over an average of five years. Total direct and indirect job creation over the period will be nearly 10 million full-time employment positions. The Top 100 list is released prior to CG/LA’s North American Strategic Infrastructure Leadership Forum, which will be held September 22-24, 2009, in Washington, D.C.

“These projects will form the backbone for a new, competitive U.S. economy and breathe life into the Obama government’s vision going forward,” stated Norman F. Anderson, president and CEO of CG/LA. Led by both the Obama Administration’s commitment to improving the nation’s faltering infrastructure stock and by a regional drive towards carbon-neutral energy and productive infrastructure, the North American Leadership Forum will host not only the top projects in the U.S., but also the leading projects in Canada and Mexico. “The U.S. economy is in trouble, and these projects define a powerfully competitive, critical path forward,” said Anderson.

The Top 100 projects were identified as possessing three specific criteria: (1) strong probability of going forward in the next 12 months; (2) critical as building blocks for U.S. competitiveness; and (3) strong relevance to the Obama administration’s  ‘connect the dots’ infrastructure priorities. Highlights are the following:

Smart Grid: The Smart Grid is a separate category, best understood as the operating system for the new economy; it is what Warren Buffet calls “the single most important investment in the U.S. economy.” Fourteen of the 100 projects are tied to the Smart Grid, either directly or through the projects that the Grid enables, including six transmission projects ($25.1 billion), lead by the Midwest’s Green Power Express project; and eight renewable energy projects ($15.3 billion), including wind, solar and energy efficiency, the largest of which is T. Boone Pickens’ Pampa project.

New Infrastructure: This is the infrastructure meant to serve as ‘building blocks’ – a model both in terms of finance and physical capacity creation – for a globally competitive U.S. economy. These projects are largely carbon-neutral – powered by electricity rather than liquids – including six high-speed passenger rail projects ($109.4 billion, the largest spend by far on our list), lead by the San Francisco/Los Angeles and Midwest Rail Initiative; and 18 urban mass transit projects ($44.4 billion) including Michigan’s Regional Rail Link and Northern Virginia’s Dulles Access Corridor project. The visionary $10 billion electric freight rail initiative would also fall into this category.

Traditional Infrastructure: This is what we normally think of as infrastructure; essentially, the physical structures created 50 years ago that have allowed our economy to be competitive and have created opportunities for Americans over the last half-century. These projects were selected based on their ability to renew that competitiveness, including 17 projects in surface transportation ($58.3 billion); seven projects in ports & logistics ($5 billion); four projects in traditional electricity generation ($21.4 billion); nine projects in natural gas, including pipelines, LNG terminals and exploration ($55.1 billion); and 14 projects in the ‘forgotten’ infrastructure of water/wastewater ($19 billion).

Roughly 2 million new jobs would be created each year from 2010 through 2014, directly and indirectly, via the development of these 100 strategic infrastructure projects, including jobs in:

• Smart Grid: 839,000 jobs in four years;

• New Infrastructure: 3.2 million jobs in four years;

• Traditional Infrastructure: 3.03 million jobs in four years.

Altogether, the 100 projects would create the equivalent of 10 million full-time jobs over the next five years.

The Journal of Commerce posted the following analysis of the top 100 jobs:

High-speed rail and a major Interstate highway project in Texas head up a list of the top 100 infrastructure projects in the United States released this week by CG/LA Infrastructure.

High-speed rail networks in California and the Northeast topped the list, in terms of value, with price tags of $45 billion and $32 billion. Those rail projects would create more than 1 million jobs.

At $30 billion, the expansion of I-69 in Texas, a plan formerly called the “Trans-Texas Corridor,” tops the list of surface transportation projects. It would create 600,000 jobs, says CG/LA.

Altogether, the 100 projects would create the equivalent of 10 million full-time jobs over the next five years.

Leading highway projects include the expansion or repair of the New Jersey Turnpike, I-94 in Wisconsin, I-81 in Virginia, SR 99 in Washington, SH-130 in Texas and I-595 in Florida.

The firm also identified seven port and logistics projects worth a total of $5 billion, including a $1.35 billion congestion I-5 relief plan in Seattle and dredging at the Port of New Orleans.

“New infrastructure” focused on “carbon-neutral” projects largely powered by electricity, including six high-speed passenger rail projects worth $109.4 billion and 18 urban mass transit projects.

It also mentioned a $10 billion electric freight rail initiative.

Fourteen of the 100 projects are related to energy, including six transmission projects valued at $25.1 billion, lead by the Midwest’s Green Power Express project. The top 100 also include eight renewable energy projects worth a total of $15.3 billion.

There is a lot going on and a lot more to come. While the future may not be bright, it is a lot more welcoming that it was a couple of months ago. When we do come all the way out of this we will be somewhat different. Hopefully we will be on our way to developing an integrated transportation infrastructure along with a greener environment and a better place.

This article appeared in the December 2009 issues of the ACP Magazines.

EPA Issues Rule to Reduce Water Pollution from Construction Sites

Published on November 24, 2009 in Daily Dirt. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , .

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today issued a final rule to help reduce water pollution from construction sites. The imagesagency believes this rule, which takes effect in February 2010 and will be phased in over four years, will significantly improve the quality of water nationwide.

Construction activities like clearing, excavating and grading significantly disturb soil and sediment. If that soil is not managed properly it can easily be washed off of the construction site during storms and pollute nearby water bodies.

The final rule requires construction site owners and operators that disturb one or more acres to use best management practices to ensure that soil disturbed during construction activity does not pollute nearby water bodies.

In addition, owners and operators of sites that impact 10 or more acres of land at one time will be required to monitor discharges and ensure they comply with specific limits on discharges to minimize the impact on nearby water bodies.

This is the first time that EPA has imposed national monitoring requirements and enforceable numeric limitations on construction site storm water discharges.

Soil and sediment runoff is one of the leading causes of water quality problems nationwide. Soil runoff from construction has also reduced the depth of small streams, lakes and reservoirs, leading to the need for dredging.

More information: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/guide/construction

Final Rule: Effluent Guidelines for Discharges from the Construction and Development Industry

Summary

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is promulgating effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs) and new source performance standards (NSPS) to control the discharge of pollutants from construction sites. This rule requires construction site owners and operators to implement a range of erosion and sediment control measures and pollution prevention practices to control pollutants in discharges from construction sites. In addition, the rule requires certain construction site owners and operators to sample stormwater discharges and comply with a numeric standard for the pollutant turbidity in these discharges starting in August of 2011.

Background on Construction Activity

Construction activities like clearing, excavating, and grading significantly disturb the land. The disturbed soil, if not managed properly, can easily be washed off of the construction site during storms and enter water bodies. Stormwater discharges from construction activities can cause an array of physical, chemical and biological impacts.

Pollutants discharged from construction sites include sediment, turbidity and nutrients. All of these pollutants are important contributors to water quality impairment nationwide. Sediment, turbidity, and nutrients degrade aquatic ecosystem health, drinking water supplies, and surface water clarity. Sediment deposition reduces water depth in lakes, reservoirs, and navigational channels, increasing the need for dredging.

Background on Effluent Guidelines

Effluent guidelines are national standards that apply to stormwater and

wastewater discharges to surface waters and publicly owned treatment works (municipal sewage treatment plants). EPA issues effluent guidelines for categories of existing sources and new sources under Title III of the Clean Water Act to control pollution from these sources. The standards are based on the performance of treatment and control technologies.

Final Rule Requirements

The final rule is intended to work in concert with existing state and local programs, adding a technology-based “floor” that establishes minimum requirements that apply nationally. Once implemented, these new requirements will significantly reduce the amount of sediment and other pollutants discharged from construction sites.

The rule requires all construction site owners and operators to implement a range of erosion and sediment control best management practices (BMPs) to reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges. Permittes are also required to implement a range of pollution prevention measures to control discharges from activities such as dewatering and concrete washout. The rule contains stringent requirements for soil stabilization as well.

EPA is phasing in the numeric limitation over four years to allow permitting authorities adequate time to develop monitoring requirements and to allow the regulated community time to prepare for compliance with the numeric limitation. Construction sites that disturb 20 or more acres at one time will be required to conduct monitoring of discharges and comply with the numeric limitation beginning 18 months after the effective date of the final rule. Beginning four years after the effective date of the final rule, the monitoring requirements and numeric limitation will apply to all sites that disturb 10 or more acres at one time..

Costs and Benefits of the Proposed Rule

This regulation is projected to reduce the amount of sediment discharged from construction sites by about 4 billion pounds each year, at an annual cost of about $953 million, once fully implemented. Because of the phase-in period for the numeric limit, and the timing of state construction general permit renewals, it is expected that the cost of the rule will be $8 million in 2010, $63 million in 2011, and $204 million in 2012. The benefits from reducing discharges of sediment and turbidity include improved water clarity, protection of drinking water supplies, improvements in aquatic environments, and lessen the need for dredging of navigational channels and reservoirs.

Implementation

EPA currently issues permits for construction activities in four states, the District of Columbia and in certain U.S. territories and tribal areas. The EPA Construction General Permit (CGP), which is set to expire on June 30, 2011, will be updated to include the new requirements when reissued. The remaining states issue their own construction general permits, and the new requirements must be incorporated into any new general permits issued after the effective date of the regulation, which is 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. The requirements also apply to individual permits issued by states or EPA. Therefore, the implementation date of the new requirements will vary depending on when states reissue their permits and whether projects are covered by individual or general permits.

You can view or download the complete text of the Federal Register notice on the Internet at http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/guide/ construction.

ICUEE Products

Published on October 22, 2009 in Equipment & Products. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , .

McWane Poles – Ductile Iron Distribution Poles

McWane Poles

(Green Product)

McWane Poles developed a new type of distribution pole made from ductile iron. Ductile iron combines the physical strength ofsteel with the corrosion resistance of iron offering durability, extended service life, and low maintenance. McWane Ductile Iron Poles cost less than steel or concrete poles and weigh approximately 50% less than wood poles. Ductile iron poles are a “GREEN” product, because they are made from recycled materials and can be recycled after the end of their long service life!

Swift Line™

Swift Line™ – Premium winch line, 12-Strand UHWMPE. 4′ Protective Sleeve and a reinforced eye for added durability. UHWMPE has excellent abrasion resistance. SKU Sizes below

Swift Line1. AG12SS516 5/16″ 13,700 lbs Average Tensile 150′, 200′, 600′ or 1,200 Orange Husky Coat

2. AG12SS38 3/8″ 19,800 lbs Average Tensile 100′, 150′, 600′ or 1,200′ Neon Green Husky Coat

Flex-Panel System

FlexPanel Sys

The Flex-Panel® system from Wired Rite is a complete solution for custom vehicle wiring, and is installed as an overlay to thevehicle’s pre-existing OEM wiring system. Flex-Panel facilitates the addition of electrical accessories including lights, electronics, and other equipment, and provides smart control of all accessories for safe and reliable operation.

Tyndale’s Premium Long Sleeve Polo Shirt – M040T

Tyndale ShirtTyndale introduces our HRC 2 polo shirt that is distinctively lightweight and breathable. Made in the USA
with 6.8oz FRMC Lacoste knit, it is available in men’s and women’s. Generously cut for ideal comfort, with a left chest pocket for convenience, this shirt also offers workers protection with a 9.5cal/cm2 arc rating. Comfort and protection make this a worker “top pick” in wear trials! For more information, contact Tyndale at 800.356.3433 or at www.TyndaleUSA.com.

IntelliRupter Pulse

IntelliRupter® PulseCloser

S&C’s new IntelliRupter PulseCloser is a breakthrough in overhead distribution system protection. IntelliRupter is a unique alternative to an automatic circuit recloser. It was designed from the ground up to accommodate advanced distribution automation functions including S&C’s proven IntelliTEAM II®, along with SCADA functionality. See more at www.sandc.com.

TITAN MBR (membrane bioreactor)

(Green Product)

Titan MBRThe innovative TITAN MBR™ wastewater treatment system — with robust, flat-plate submerged membrane technology — provides the highest quality treatment, minimal operational requirements, and a compact design that will stand the test of time. Backed by value-added engineering available from S&L.

Systems come in standard and custom designs, and result in smaller footprints than conventional systems. Capacities range from 5,000 GPD up to 3 MGD+. Suitable for water re-use and recycling.

Vinatronics

Vinatronics High Visibility Apparel High Visibility FR t-shirt for 70E & ASTM F1506

Long sleeve FR Cotton t-shirt, with 3M FR reflective in Contractors Orange and Hi Viz Yellow. Fabric and reflective meet ASTM F1506 for flammability and compliance with 70E Hazard Risk Category 2. 

High Visibility, Comfort and FR protection, Made in the USA at an affordable price.

FiberRigg™ Fiberglass Composite Crane Outrigger Pad

(Green Product)

FiberRiggFiberRigg™ is a fiberglass composite crane outrigger pad that outlasts wood pads, is lighter and also more cost effective than UHMW plastic pads. Able to hold up to 125,000 pounds, FiberRigg is suited to any type of construction or building activity requiring the use of crane equipment. Continuous glass fibers provide maximum strength and stiffness while its polymer makeup resists chemicals and water degradation. FiberRigg has a non-slip wear surface and is virtually indestructible.

SAFETY CERTIFIED JARRAFF CAB & NEW GEO-BOY BRUSH CUTTER

Jarraff Industries manufactures two premier ROW Maintenance machines including the Jarraff All-Terrain Tree Trimmer & the Geo-Boy Brush Cutter Tractor. The cab of the tree trimmer has received ROPS, FOPS & OPS certifications, an industry first for all-terrain tree trimmers. The Jarraff offers 75-ft. of cutting height. The Geo-Boy clears brush in all conditions including remote access sites & challenging terrain. With two tier III engine options, it is powerful, maneuverable & fuel-efficient.

Rebel Crusher/ RR EQUIPMENT COMPANY

(Green Product)

One- “NEW” REBEL CRUSHER®: “PATENT PENDING”

”THERE’S NOTHING LIKE IT!!

……. REBEL CRUSHER 20 X 36 TRACK JAW CRUSHER is specifically designed for the RECYCLE INDUSTRY. tures:

*REVERSIBLE JAW DIRECTION for clearing crushing chamber.

*TRACK AND CRUSH AT THE SAME TIME!!!!

*RADIO REMOTE CONTROL CAN BE OPERATED UP TO 100’ AWAY!

*OVERSIZED CONTINUOUS DUTY HYDRAULIC S!!
*US MADE BEARINGS AND COMPONENTS!!2

*NO GENERATOR, NO GROUNDING ROD REQUIRED!!

RANGER Crane Retrofit System

Kar-Tech’s wireless crane retrofit package is a simple way to add a radio remote to your manually controlled hydraulic crane. The package is supplied with linear actuators to move the valves in both directions, a mounting bracket, and all hardware to connect the actuators to the valve handles. The transmitter is the wireless control – four proportional paddles control the winch and boom, and additional toggle switches drive the winch speed and high/low speed functions.

RF Folding Railgate

Ranger CraneTOMMY GATE COMPANY, America’s first name in liftgatesTM, introduces the RF Model, the latest addition to Tommy Gate’s Rail Gate Series. The RF Model is Tommy Gate’s first two-piece folding rail gate and is available with an aluminum two-piece platform in 85 or 89 inch widths and 45 and 50 inch depths. The RF Rail gate Series is available in 1600 lbs. and 2000 lbs. lifting capacities.

NavLogix

Navlogix screen sm

NavLogix is an Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) solution that uses GPS, cellular and web technologies to provide near real-time location of every vehicle in your fleet.

Go Green with DewEze Hydraulics (Green Product)

DewEze

DewEze has the environment-friendly solution to your PTO problem. See us at booth #743 to reduce fuel cost, your carbon footprint and still get the job done. You can also visit our website at http://www.deweze.com/deweze/OEM/OEM.html to learn more about our CARB-friendly products.

McElroy DynaMc(tm) 28HP Fusion Machine

(Green Product)

McElroy

The DynaMc™ 28 HP (hand pump) provides the power and pressure required to butt fuse pipe from 2” IPS to 8” DIPS with a double-action hand-powered pump.

A detachable easy-lift cradle allows the jaws to be easily removed for use in tight spaces. The DynaMc 28 HP features an electric facer that is sturdy and strong, with the ability to be loaded into the machine from either side.

The high-velocity cylinders allow for faster carriage speeds for the critical opens and closes while fusing.

Blair Products, Inc.

Blair ProductsCaterpillar / Terex/ASV Aftermarket Undercarriage Parts.
Tired of spending thousands on OEM parts? We specialize inundercarriage parts made to last.
”LARRY LUGS”-Bolt-on replacement drive lugs for rubbertracks. “SOLID ALLOY WHEELS”-Replaces rubber/plastic OEM Wheels. Wears evenly and will not crack or crevice from rocks. “Hydraulic Track Tensioners”-Tighten tracks with a simple grease gun. “Bair Claws”-Ice/Snow traction enhancers in 6 sizes for Tires/tracks/loaders/snowblower/ATVs/UTVs.

Prime Tech – PT 300

Prime Tech

The new PT-300 from Prime-Tech and FAE. 275 horse power and a 90″ cutting width. Ground pressure = 3.10 PSI. 24950 lbs

Buzzi Unicem USA Utility-Fill One Step

Buzzi(Green Product)

Utility-Fill One Step is a bagged flowable fill used in place of standard backfill material. It is self-mixing, self-compacting, and itready for permanent restoration in less than ten minutes. It requires no mechanical tamping, just add a gallon of water to each 50-pound bag and watch it work. This product was recently approved by the U.S. Military for use as backfill in rapid repair of bombed runways.

Duct Hunter Traceable Rodders

Utilizing the heavy duty frame construction of Jameson’s Buddy System® Rodders, the Duct Hunter™ features a copper trace wire in the rod to trace or map underground conduit or pipe without digging or trenching. Trace to depths up to 10’.duct hunter

Reliable Equipment & Service Hydraulic Ground Rod Driver

THE DOOGIE DRIVER

The REL-GRD-1 from RELIABLE EQUIPMENT will drive 1/2-5/8″ ground rods FAST.
A 3/4-1″ model is also available.
Cushioned handles offer two handed control.
70″ whips provide convenient access to the in-line ON/OFF valve.
Operate from Open or Closed Center systems.
A lifting eye allows the driver to be suspended above the rod reducing operator strain.
Flush face couplers are factory installed, so you may use the tool right out of the box.

UltraShotTM

Harger Lightning & Grounding’s Ultraweld® UltraShotTM is re-defining the exothermic process. UltraShotTM utilizes a copper UltraShot WebPage Group Piccontainer that is consumed along with the weld metal making for a superior exothermic connection. UltraShotTM utilizes an electronic ignition system fired by a long lasting rechargeable battery controller. The unique ignition system allows the user to maintain a safe distance. Contact Sales at 800-842-7437, hargersales@harger.com or visit our website at www.harger.com.

ezcut_black_crop

Easy Cut

The fastest and safest large diameter pipe cutting system in the world.

Amco Veba – Model 105

Amco VebaFischer Crane announces the AmcoVeba 105. The 105 combines unique materials (special structural tube) and engineering to provide a crane that is lighter, narrower and provides increased lifting capacity. Using prefabricated material saves fabrication time creating a significant price advantage.

Carmanah Technologies GP-SW3000 Pure Sine Wave Inverter

Carmanah Technologies

(Green Product)

The largest Go Power!™ pure sine wave inverter, the GP-SW3000 is the ultimate choice for large loads that demand an exactreplica of AC power. The GP-SW3000 can run any tool or appliance within its wattage range. The GP-SW3000 is the professionals’ choice for clean reliable power when you need it.

Akkerman Inc.

Since 1973, Akkerman Inc. manufactures distinctive microtunneling, pipe jacking, tunneling, guided boring and earth pressure balance equipment. We attribute Akkerman Inc.’s reputation for superior reliability and responsive service to our team of experienced engineers, field technicians and our extensive parts department. We’re bringing it all to you at 2009 ICUEE! Please visit our outdoor display #K103, featuring 6,500 sf of live demonstrations and a sampling of all our equipment lines.

Rayco-Wylie Systems

i3500 Rated Capacity Indicator for knuckle booms / i3500 Range Limiting Device for concrete pumps

Rayco WylieKnow your safe working load at all time with the new i3500 Rated Capacity Indicator for knuckle booms.

Make your working environment safer while working close to power lines with the new i3500 Range Limiting Device for concrete pumps.

These systems are versatile and use the latest CANbus technology. Highly reliable, simple to install and versatile these systems are designed to meet your most demanding requirements on site.

Ackton

Ackton Inc., Precision Park P6000

Long range 25 feet Backup sensor for heavy truck application

DPL America TITAN Equipment Monitoring System

The TITAN Equipment Monitoring System is the complete tool for equipment owners to increase asset profitability and productivity while decreasing the costs and risk of equipment theft. The TITAN empowers the equipment owner to remotely shut down their machines, wirelessly locate them any time via GPS, collect hour meter readings and track hour based service intervals.

V-TEC Total Electronic Control and Diagnostic System

VTecVanair Manufacturing introduces phase 1 of their new V-TEC® Total Electronic Control and Diagnostic System designed to offer easier installation with simple OEM specific “plug and play” connections. Using Vanair exclusive technology, the V-TEC® will modulate and regulate engine speed according to demand. The LED control panel provides comprehensive system monitoring capabilities. V-TEC® is currently available on select applications.

PRO-VISION® “Ruggedized” LCD Monitor

PRO-VISION TV-205 ICUEE New Product Highlight_072809 copyThe all new “Ruggedized” PRO-VISION® LCD Monitor with LED Backlighting provides 5X times the life and a 60% increase in brightness compared to other LCD Monitors on the market. This industry leading design milestone means a PRO-VISION®System will last longer and provide superior performance in bright lighting conditions. The all new “Ruggedized” PRO-VISION® LCD Monitor is available with any of the six PRO-VISION® Cameras designed specifically for commercial vehicle and equipment applications.

ProAct Safety Culture Excellence Seminar Series

The Safety Culture Excellence Seminar Series includes:

•Advanced Tactics for Behavior-Based Safety
•Leadership Safety Coaching: Teaching Supervisors to be Safety Coaches
•Assessing and Developing Your Safety Culture.