hot topics

The BCANJ hot topics page features new and interesting topics that affect the construction industry. Click on the links below to review current hot topics.

INDUSTRY NEWS

REGIONAL | April 22, 2008

Rutgers Regional Report
By Professors Jim Hughes and Joseph Seneca
In their review of national, regional and state employment growth patterns, the Rutgers professors find New Jersey fell “significantly behind its economic peers in 2007.” To read all the findings, download the report at http://policy.rutgers.edu/reports/rrr/rrrapr08.pdf.

NATIONAL | April 2008

Construction Wage Comparison: AGC of America has recently released the Craft Worker Compensation Research Report comparing wages for union and non-union workers by region and craft. It also compares construction wages against three other industries. Construction comes out on top, but hasn't kept up with inflation, according to the report. You can download the 64-page PDF file at www.agc.org.

LOCAL | March 20, 2008

The Mets Go Green: Reports in Engineering News-Record and Newsday have revealed the “green” features that will be built into Citi Field, the new Mets stadium in Flushing, NY. Recycled steel and concrete made with coal combustion projects will be used. Coal combustion products (CCPs) help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and adding CCPs to concrete both reduces landfill dumping and can strengthen the end-product. The administration building at Citi Field will also have a “green” roof, which cuts down on wastewater runoff and helps insulate the building to lower energy costs. Other environmentally friendly features include water conservation measures in the bathrooms and energy-efficient lighting. The team’s COO, Jeff Wilpon, reports that some of the measures may cost more up front, but will save energy costs down the road.

HOT TOPICS ARCHIVES

Atlantic City building brings boom in construction jobs
With more than $20 billion worth of casino, hotel, restaurant and retail construction planned for the Atlantic City area over the next four years, the job market for contractors is booming. With the market slowing to a crawl elsewhere, many skilled tradespeople are coming in from around the country for the work opportunities. The Philadelphia Inquirer

LOCAL | February 7, 2008
The Key Role of Construction in New Jersey’s Economy

By KEN SIMONSON, Chief Economist, AGC of America
Find out the latest facts about construction in the state, just released by AGC of America.

NATIONAL | February 4, 2008
The Data DIGest

By KEN SIMONSON, Chief Economist, AGC of America
BCANJ members take note: While other building materials costs flatten out, copper and steel prices are rising.

NATIONAL | February 1, 2008
Nonresidential Construction Shows Vigor Despite Housing Slump, AGC Says
By KEN SIMONSON, Chief Economist, AGC of America
Ken Simonson reports that nonresidential construction gained in January, implying that the spending rise of 2007 will continue.

NATIONAL | January 26, 2008
Union Membership Sees Biggest Rise Since '83
By STEVEN GREENHOUSE
Union membership rose by 311,000 in 2007, bringing the number of American workers belonging to labor unions to 15.7 million.

NATIONAL | January 26, 2008
Building Costs Deal Blow to Local Budgets
By WILLIAM YARDLEY
In many parts of the country, state and local governments are struggling to pay for roads, bridges and other projects because of rising construction costs.

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