Construction, April 2012

U. S. construction machinery exports gain 43 percent in 2011

MILWAUKEE — The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ (AEM) recent report says U.S. construction equipment exports increased 43 percent in 2011 compared to the previous year for a total of $23.5 billion of machinery shipped to other nations.

This follows growth of 28 percent in 2010 after a 2009 decline of 38 percent in the depths of the recession.

“Export sales continue to help U.S. construction equipment manufacturers stay open for business and sustain American jobs, especially with the domestic construction sector still recovering,” said Al Cervero, AEM vice president, construction sector.

For more information, visit www.Aem.org or call (414) 272-0943.

Careers in Construction Week scheduled for Oct. 29-Nov. 2
ALACHUA, Fla. — The Build Your Future Campaign’s eighth annual Careers in Construction Week will take place Oct. 29-Nov. 2.

Careers in Construction Week is designed to increase public awareness of the hard work and contributions of the U. S.’s craft professionals and encourage students to pursue careers in construction.

Local schools, contractors and organizations are encouraged to partner locally to host construction career events and programs during this week. These events allow for an open dialogue between students and contractors.

For more information about Careers in Construction Week or to register an event, visit www.byf.org or call (386) 518-6500.

New report says construction to follow lead of improving economy

RALEIGH, N.C. — FMI recently released its “Nonresidential Construction Index” (NRCI) report for the first quarter of 2012.

According to the report, the NRCI gained 7.8 points over last quarter to 58.1 points this quarter. This positive move to start the new year is continued confirmation panelists believe the construction activity is following the lead of the slowly improving economy.

Forty-two percent of panelists indicated up to a 5-percent increase is expected in full-time direct employees. Additionally, fewer panelists indicated a reduction in salaried employees.

Expectations for construction-put-in place are positive as 41.3 percent of panelists expect growth of 0.5 to 2.5 percent for 2012.

The component for the overall economy showed the strongest improvement of all index components with a jump from 43.6 last quarter to 68.7 in the first quarter, a 25-point gain.

For more information or to download a copy of the full report, visit www.fminet.com or call (919) 787-8400.

EPA: Permit to regulate stormwater discharges finalized
WASHINGTON — The EPA recently released a general permit for stormwater discharges from construction sites that requires permit holders to develop plans to prevent runoff and erosion from the sites.

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued under the Clean Water Act’s stormwater program takes effect immediately.

The 2012 permit will cover stormwater discharges from construction activities, such as clearing, grading, excavating and stockpiling, that disturb one or more acres or smaller sites that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale.

Permit holders will have to comply with 2009 effluent guidelines and develop stormwater prevention plans that outline practices to install erosion and sediment controls, among other items.

The permit is in effect in Idaho, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico and District of Columbia. In addition, it covers U.S. territories and tribal lands and applies to certain areas within Colorado, Delaware, Vermont and Washington state that are subject to federal contracts.

The permit also applies to construction sites associated with oil and gas exploration, drilling operations and pipelines activities in Oklahoma.

In Texas, the permit applies to construction sites involving oil, gas and geothermal exploration, development and production, as well as transportation of crude oil.

For more information, visit www.Epa.gov or call (202) 564-2649.

BIC Magazine
Author: BIC Magazine, bicnews@bicalliance.com

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