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Join us at Sporting Clays in just over two weeks!
We're sold out for shooter spots at the 2024 Sporting Clays Fundraiser, but a few great options for sponsorships are still available!
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LEGAL & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS NEWS | |
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Update: MN Retail Delivery Tax
The new retail delivery tax went into effect on July 1 and, as discussed at our summer mini-Summit, is murky whether it applies to construction supplies. AGC met with the Department of Revenue to get clarity and consensus that the purchase of construction materials is not a retail transaction subject to the tax but a wholesale purchase that is incorporated into a later finished product. Unfortunately, the Department of Revenue responded this week that it views building materials as retail transactions meaning, in DOR’s opinion, suppliers of construction materials must track, report, and pay the delivery tax per transaction for the sale of construction materials. For instance, if a contractor orders concrete, rebar and/or nails in one order, then the supplier pays fifty cents delivery tax. If the contractor makes the same purchase in six orders (transactions), then the supplier(s) reports and pays three dollars. AGC still views construction supplies as not covered by, nor intended to be covered by, the new law.
We are working with sister associations, exploring options, and listening to members to understand how critical of an issue this may be. For additional information on applicable statute and listed exemptions, please see the 2023 Sales and Use Taxes Legislative Bulletin from the MN Department of Revenue, starting on Page 5. .We will keep you posted on developments.
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Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Final Rules
The final rules for the federal IRA go into effect on Monday. A copy can be found here. If a project has IRA incentives, in Minnesota or other states, then it also will have weedy prevailing wage, apprenticeship, and other requirements that, if not fulfilled, can lead to very significant penalties. A PLA may ameliorate some of the penalties. We will continue to post and host guidance on complying with the IRA.
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Congratulations to Bolander and Knutson Construction on their Level 3 project doing infrastructure upgrades to the 400 block (3rd St. - 6th Ave and 6th Ave - 2nd St.) in Rochester. The work includes new electrical duct bank installations, sanitary sewer, water main and road reconstruction improvements. This consists of excavations to remove old pipe, working around existing utilities, rerouting utilities and installing new utilities. The final stages will be fine grade and repaving. | |
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Congratulations to RJM Construction on their CHASE Level 3 project at the Chaska Public Safety Facility, doing demolition of the existing building and construction of a new 98,764 square foot Police and Fire station.
CHASE is a cooperative compliance partnership program with MNOSHA. Learn more
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION (DEI) NEWS | |
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Labor Rights Week Webinar
In honor of Labor Rights Week, the U.S. Department of Labor invites you to a virtual discussion on worker rights, protections, and resources. Join representatives from various Department of Labor agencies to explore their functions and discover the resources available to support you.
August 28 | 10:00 a.m.
Register here | Contact Brian Wood with questions
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MnDOT Constructability Review:
I35W Burnsville
MnDOT is preparing plans for the reconstruction of 5 bridges on I35W between the 35E/35W split and Cliff Rd. beginning in Spring 2025. The project will require an unbonded concrete overlay in the same section. This project is currently scheduled to be let in February 2025 with an anticipated construction start date of April 2025 and continuing through 2026.
MnDOT is asking potential contractors to assist with evaluating construction staging and duration as well as construction methodology given difficult site limitations.
MnDOT cannot compensate contractors for the one-on-one meetings, or accommodations to and from the meeting. Contractors will not be disqualified from submitting bids for construction if they attend. A summary of discussions will be posted on the project web site listed below after the meetings (names and company titles will not be available for viewing).
MnDOT is looking for input with regards to:
- Cliff Road Bridge Construction
- Project will require removal Cliff Road Bridge and replacement with a 3-span bridge. SB portion is scheduled to be replaced in 2025 and NB portion in 2026.
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Several constraints limit removal and construction operations:
- 3 separate High Voltage Power Lines span over proposed Cliff Road bridge on 35W. During summer clearance (between existing deck and lines) will be between 30-35’ for one of the lines in the most restrictive conditions.
- Existing Union Pacific is below the bridge.
The Project Consists of:
UBOL on 35W and replacement of Burnsville Pkwy bridge, TH13 bridges and Cliff Rd Bridge. Propose Cliff Road bridge in the 25-26 construction seasons.
In addition to the above summary, MnDOT has posted information here.
September 4-10, 2024, has been selected as the Department’s desired time period for constructability reviews. There will be options to meet either in person or by remotely via Teams. Please contact Brian Tomassoni, Project Engineer, to schedule a meeting.
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Information related to fraudulent EPA notice of violation letters
EPA is aware that businesses are receiving falsified Notice of Violation letters demanding payment for alleged environmental violations. Please see the Office of Inspector General's Fraud Alert issued on July 30, 2024. If you would like to verify the authenticity of the notice you received or if you have received a notice that you believe is falsified, please email OECA_Communications@epa.gov. Please include an electronic version of the letter you received with your inquiry. In the meantime, please do not take any action outlined in the letter, including submitting payment.
If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, or have knowledge of potential waste, fraud, and abuse relating to EPA operations and programs, please contact the OIG hotline at (888) 546-8740 or OIG.Hotline@epa.gov.
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Met Council Request for Feedback: Blue Line Rail Extension
The Metropolitan Council is evaluating packaging and delivery method strategies for the METRO Blue Line Extension light rail transit project. The Request for Industry Feedback (RFIF) is a request for the construction industry to provide input on the potential packaging and delivery method strategies described in the RFIF and to inform the construction industry of the potential procurement opportunities with the Met Council in the future.
The Project will extend the existing METRO Blue Line light rail from Target Field Station northwest to Brooklyn Park and connect communities in the corridor. The Project is 13.4-miles long, connecting downtown Minneapolis to the communities of North Minneapolis, Robbinsdale, Crystal, and Brooklyn Park. The Project is a critical connection in the highly traveled northwest area of the Twin Cities and includes connections to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and the Mall of America. More information about the Project can be found here.
The Met Council thanks entities in advance for their participation in this outreach initiative and looks forward to receiving valuable feedback from the contracting community.
It is requested that contractors and industry professionals interested in responding Click Here to view and download the RFIF. Please input this QuestCDN eBidDoc™ Number 9278613 on the website’s Project Search page. Contact QuestCDN at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in downloading and working with the digital documents.
RFIF Virtual Informational Meeting: August 29, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CST
Written Responses Due: September 27, 2024, at 5:00 PM CST
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 283 517 167 445
Passcode: YkULL2
Dial in by phone +1 763-600-8619,,380664373#
Phone conference ID: 380 664 373#
Questions concerning the content of the RFIF document may be directed to:
ConstructionBid@metc.state.mn.us
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION NEWS | |
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Supervisory Training Program (STP) Classes
There are several more STP courses available before the end of the year! Register now for any/all of the following units:
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Communication Credentials Session 2:
Managing Difficult People
It can be difficult for professionals to feel heard, be taken seriously, manage critical relationships, or have the courage to address inappropriate comments at their own expense.
That’s why you need to learn and practice specific power phrases to help manage any difficult conversations at work, and still preserve your reputation.
In this session on September 19 we’ll cover:
- The theory of power phrases and how they help amplify your voice while staying true to who you are.
- Common biased scenarios and the power phrases you can use to change topic with ease and power.
- How to respond to unreasonable requests and behaviors from clients (such as quick turnarounds, ignoring protocol, and refusing to pay debt obligations).
- How to say what you want and maintain a respected position of power while overcoming project delays or errors and promoting yourself and your team.
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It's Time to Make Mental Health an Industry Priority
Great progress has been made in a short time to increase awareness of the construction industry’s mental health crisis. More recently, the concept of worker wellbeing has emerged, transcending an individualized focus on helping those already in crisis, and instead proactively identifying and working to mitigate the stressors found in our unique industry business model with its inherent demands.
Spearheaded by AGC, the Worker Wellbeing Initiative Strategy Team has embarked on a comprehensive strategy approach that brings together all three industry partner segments (employers, workforce, and project owners) to foster a secure and healthy work environment for all construction industry workers. Engaged and productive dialogue is being focused to identify proactive measures that can reduce industry mental health stressors before they take hold and manifest in crisis outcomes. This holistic approach aims to tackle the mental health crisis that is hindering growth within our industry by prioritizing mental health on parallel with physical safety and wellbeing.
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Registration is open for all of the following events.
Secure your sponsorship or registration before events are sold out!
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Sporting Clays Fundraiser - Sept 11
(Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club | Prior Lake)
Register your team of 5 to join us at the 25th Annual Sporting Clays Fundraiser to benefit the AGC of Minnesota Foundation!
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Thank You to our 2024 Annual Partners! | |
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Don't Miss These Events!
Register now for these upcoming AGC events:
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Your Trusted Resource
Associated General Contractors of Minnesota
525 Park Street, Suite 110 | St. Paul, MN 55103
651-632-8929
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