State officials have been enjoying a decrease in costs for road and bridge projects due to the economy. The decline in costs is a stark contrast to the cost escalations in recent years.
According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), costs are down 15 to 30%. A recent AASHTO survey reported that 16 of 21 states surveyed reported they received bids that were lower than anticipated for stimulus projects. An article in the Wall Street Journal, cited lower commodity prices and a rise of unemployment as key factors in the drop in prices.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
John Porcari, Secretary of the Maryland DOT Chosen to Become Deputy Secretary of the U.S. DOT
John Porcari, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation, is President Barack Obama's choice to become the next Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
"John Porcari brings tremendous talent and experience to this extremely important and influential Administration position," said AASHTO Executive Director John Horsley
"Under Secretary Porcari's leadership, the Maryland DOT has led the way in community sensitive design and smart growth strategies that have improved the quality of life for Marylanders। He was also instrumental in the development of the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge, a $2।4 billion megaproject which was not only delivered on time and on budget; it broke new ground in environmental, contracting, and management innovation. We commend President Obama for this outstanding nomination and look forward to working with Mr. Porcari, once he is confirmed."In his current position, Mr. Porcari is responsible for motor vehicle registration and the highway, transit, aviation, and maritime modes of the state's transportation system. Mr. Porcari also serves as chairman of the entity responsible for operating the state's bridge and tunnel facilities. He's in his second tour as Secretary, having previously served in this capacity from 1999 to 2002.
Source: AASHTO Press Release
"John Porcari brings tremendous talent and experience to this extremely important and influential Administration position," said AASHTO Executive Director John Horsley
"Under Secretary Porcari's leadership, the Maryland DOT has led the way in community sensitive design and smart growth strategies that have improved the quality of life for Marylanders। He was also instrumental in the development of the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge, a $2।4 billion megaproject which was not only delivered on time and on budget; it broke new ground in environmental, contracting, and management innovation. We commend President Obama for this outstanding nomination and look forward to working with Mr. Porcari, once he is confirmed."In his current position, Mr. Porcari is responsible for motor vehicle registration and the highway, transit, aviation, and maritime modes of the state's transportation system. Mr. Porcari also serves as chairman of the entity responsible for operating the state's bridge and tunnel facilities. He's in his second tour as Secretary, having previously served in this capacity from 1999 to 2002.
Source: AASHTO Press Release
Monday, April 13, 2009
CSU-Chico Announces Patron’s Gift
The Patrons of the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program at California State University (CSU), Chico presented $159,500 to the University on March 18।
CIM is a business intensive program that awards students with a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Concrete Industry Management. University President Paul Zingg, along with officers from the Chico State Patrons organization and the CIM faculty, were in attendance.
During the past three years, the CSU Chico Patrons, along with the CIM National Steering Committee, have presented checks in excess of $1,137,000 to the University. These funds directly support the CIM program at CSU in addition to providing scholarships for students participating in the program.
Doug Guerrero, retired CEMEX Vice President and Chairman of the Chico State CIM Program, says that the program is doing extremely well and is performing at the growth rate planned when it was established in 2006. “After being in place for three years, we have more than 60 declared CIM students and will graduate our first 9 Concrete Industry Management majors this May. The success to date is due to the dedication of the active Patrons in providing the donations to fund the startup of the program,” he said.
According to Guerrero, the Chico State CIM Patrons have also provided additional funds for industry scholarships to all qualified students, funds for students and faculty to travel to Concrete Industry meetings, trade shows and conventions. “We have also gifted significant dollars for the Concrete Lab Improvement Project. These gifts, along with additional donations of equipment and materials, and generous donation of time to guest lecture, has resulted in the growth and success of the CIM Program at Chico State. This truly is a partnership between the concrete industry and the University,” he said.
CIM is a business intensive program that awards students with a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Concrete Industry Management. University President Paul Zingg, along with officers from the Chico State Patrons organization and the CIM faculty, were in attendance.
During the past three years, the CSU Chico Patrons, along with the CIM National Steering Committee, have presented checks in excess of $1,137,000 to the University. These funds directly support the CIM program at CSU in addition to providing scholarships for students participating in the program.
Doug Guerrero, retired CEMEX Vice President and Chairman of the Chico State CIM Program, says that the program is doing extremely well and is performing at the growth rate planned when it was established in 2006. “After being in place for three years, we have more than 60 declared CIM students and will graduate our first 9 Concrete Industry Management majors this May. The success to date is due to the dedication of the active Patrons in providing the donations to fund the startup of the program,” he said.
According to Guerrero, the Chico State CIM Patrons have also provided additional funds for industry scholarships to all qualified students, funds for students and faculty to travel to Concrete Industry meetings, trade shows and conventions. “We have also gifted significant dollars for the Concrete Lab Improvement Project. These gifts, along with additional donations of equipment and materials, and generous donation of time to guest lecture, has resulted in the growth and success of the CIM Program at Chico State. This truly is a partnership between the concrete industry and the University,” he said.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Reed Business Announces Closing of 13 Construction Pubs
The economy claimed 13 of 14 of Reed Business’s construction publications. Reed announced on Tuesday that it was ceasing publication of the regional construction titles published under Associated Construction Publications.
Reed will continue to publish Construction Equipment and Minnesota Construction Bulletin, as well as several websites.
Advertising in construction trade publications has steadily declined over the last several years. ACP’s regional construction publications and McGraw Hill’s publication have been significantly impacted as more people are seeking their information from the internet and other sources.
Reed will continue to publish Construction Equipment and Minnesota Construction Bulletin, as well as several websites.
Advertising in construction trade publications has steadily declined over the last several years. ACP’s regional construction publications and McGraw Hill’s publication have been significantly impacted as more people are seeking their information from the internet and other sources.
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