March 28, 2024

Baltimore Bridge Tragedy

AGC of Minnesota extends our heartfelt condolences to the families of the construction workers who were tragically killed in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore this week. The incident reminds us of the 2007 I-35W Bridge collapse and the inherent risks associated with working in our industry. AGC of Minnesota and our members stand with those impacted by the trauma of this accident.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS NEWS

Halfway There - Legislature Recesses for Easter

Last Friday, the Legislature wrapped up hefty committee agendas prior to a key deadline to pass bills. This week saw shorter agendas before lawmakers went on recess for the Easter holiday at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday. The Legislature will resume work at noon on Tuesday, April 2 and start to put together and pass finance and supplemental budget bills. Omnibus policy bills will also be debated by the entire House and Senate next week.

The 2024 session is at the halfway point with a mandatory adjournment on May 20. Priorities include passing a public projects package (bonding/capital investment), several policy initiatives, and proposals to spend $512 million of the state’s $3.7 surplus. Budget targets recently agreed to by House and Senate Leadership and the Governor will increase spending across a variety of budget areas. The largest supplemental budget amounts are directed to K-12 education, human services, children and families, taxes, aids, and credits, debt service and capital projects, and judiciary.

AGC’s next Legislative Committee will be April 4. We’ll discuss the status of bills of interest to the construction industry. A mid-session review will also be available online next week. Contact Laura Ziegler if you’d like to join the committee conversation.

FHWA GHG Rule Blocked by Judge, Sides with AGC

Good news this week for those concerned about the FHWA Greenhouse Gas Rule that was finalized earlier this year. A federal judge in Texas late last night a greed with AGC and struck down the rule that would have required states to measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This rule would have forced states to spend their federal-aid highway funds, meant for road and bridge construction, to pay for buses, Amtrak trains, and electric vehicle charging stations (i.e. non-construction activities).

FHWA claimed that they had the authority to issue this rule, even though AGC and others disagreed since Congress has repeatedly debated providing the agency with that authority and repeatedly rejected it, including in the IIJA.

Thank you to all who participated in action alerts on this topic!

SAFETY NEWS

CHASE Level 3 Project

Congratulations to Hunt Electric, JE Dunn Construction, and Harris on their CHASE Level 3 project at HCMC - HHS Red Generator Replacement.

View all the Level 3 projects here.

The Construction Health And Safety Excellence (CHASE) program began in 2003 as a partnership between Minnesota OSHA and AGC of Minnesota. Twenty years later, it is the longest running partnership with MNOSHA. The program is designed to recognize AGC member contractors for their safety programs and performance, while providing incentives for partnership.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION (DEI) NEWS

Shafer Contracting Co. Companywide Meeting

Yolanda presented on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Culture CARE at the Shafer Contracting Co., Inc. Companywide Meeting. Participant feedback included:

“Thank you for making the trip in crazy bad weather and joining / sharing with Shafer Contracting this am. As always you inspire and make a lasting impact on the people you speak to. We and I are so very thankful you could present to us.” Jason Zins,

Shafer Contracting

“You are a valued asset not only to the industry but to humans in general. We’ve had a lot of great feedback already!” Briana Swanson, Shafer Contracting

GENERAL NEWS

Constructability Review Request: TH 210 Washington Street Reconstruct.

MnDOT is asking potential contractors to assist with evaluating construction staging and risks to constructing this proposed project while minimizing impacts to the traveling public. MnDOT requests one-on-one meeting with potential construction contractors to review the proposed concepts and provide feedback. The meetings are expected to last approximately 90 minutes.

March 25-April 5 have been selected as the Department’s desired window for constructability reviews; however the project team is flexible if the following week would work better with contractors’ schedules. We are planning to use in person meetings at the Baxter office but can also facilitate Microsoft Teams meetings for virtual meetings. Please contact Ken Slama, Resident Engineer at (218)- 232-6725 or at Kenneth.Slama@state.mn.us to schedule a meeting.

More information

Spring load restrictions end April 1 in South and Southeast frost zones

MnDOT will end spring load restrictions in the South and Southeast frost zones on Monday, April 1, at 12:01 a.m. Spring load restrictions have already ended in the Metro zone.

Truckers are advised to check with local agencies prior to increasing any weights on their routes. The sign erected on the roadway governs the load limit in effect.

Seasonal load limit zones and restricted routes can be found here. Start and end dates and other load limit information are shown here.

Robots, Drones, AI – Oh, My! Innovative Technologies for Construction

Explore the transformative impact of AI, BIM, robotics, and drones on the construction industry in 2024. From optimizing efficiency to enhancing safety, these innovations are revolutionizing project management. Discover how strategic implementation can lead to unprecedented precision and collaboration. Click here to read more

When Founder and CEO, Sam Bloedow started Thriveon in 2002, it was born from a love of technology and the needs of small to midsize companies that weren’t being met by their current IT service. Fascinated by the way businesses could leverage technology to enable growth, Sam founded Thriveon to help businesses find success through an approach that proactively eliminates IT risk and supports growth.

Apply for Scholarships!

The application form for 2024-2025 AGC of Minnesota Foundation scholarships is open. Please share with any young people pursuing a degree in the construction industry!

EVENTS & NETWORKING

For Signatory Contractors:

Minnesota Construction Crew Hiring Event

The Minnesota Construction Crew is having their 10th annual hiring event! This year’s event will be held on May 14 at The North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters (710 Olive Street, Saint Paul, MN 55130). The event has a $225 table fee and net proceeds go to Construct Tomorrow.

Registration is open for all of the following events.

Secure your sponsorship or registration before events are sold out!

Networking Event - April 11

(Coyote Moon Grille | St. Cloud)

Join the AGC Board of Directors and your industry colleagues for some informal networking!

Golf Tournament - August 2

(Keller Golf Course | Maplewood)

SOLD OUT for golfers, but sponsorship opportunities are still available!

St. Paul Saints Game - August 7

(CHS Field | St. Paul)

Join AGC and MBEX members for an afternoon of Minnesota Twins AAA baseball against the Columbus Clippers!

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!

Holiday Reception - December 4

(Minneapolis Event Center)

Join your industry colleagues to celebrate another great year together!

AGC Honors 2025 - February 18

(317 on Rice Park Event Center | St. Paul)

Join us as we honor award recipients This annual event brings together industry leaders and change-makers as we celebrate stellar work over the past year as well as over the past decades.