Members' Edge - October 5, 2017

AGC News

OSHA Begins Enforcing Silica Rule In 30 Days

The AGC Houston Guide to the OSHA Silica Standard is now complete and available to download.

Thanks to the AGC Houston Silica Task force members who spent more than a year to find answers to the hard questions that aren't specifically addressed in the silica standard for construction.

At the request of AGC of America, the AGC Houston Guide to the OSHA Silica Standard is being used as a model for AGC members throughout the country!

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=464912&issueID=56225 to view the full article online.

Nevada AGC Chapter Executive Speaks Following Attack

On October 3, 2017, Sean Stewart, CEO of the Nevada Contractors Association, sent a note to all of the AGC chapter executives regarding the calls and emails he has received since the horrific attack October 1 at the Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas.

Dear Friends,

We are deeply saddened by the horrific event that took place in our beloved city. No words can truly express the feelings of shock and utter grief many have experienced. Tragically, several of our contractor members and friends were directly impacted. Our heart goes out to them during this time of healing. Unfortunately, answers do not come easily as our community heals. Please know we are here if anyone is in need of assistance.

Our staff feels fortunate and we appreciate those who have reached out in concern. On behalf of the Nevada Contractors Association, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and friends.

We would like to thank our law enforcement agencies, first responders, and those who rose without question to the needs of others affected by this horrific event. Through this tragedy our strong, giving and caring community has come together in ways never imagined.

For those who would still like to help, a GoFundMe account has been opened to benefit the victims and their families. We encourage all who can to join us in donating to this cause. You can access the account here

Thank you in advance for your generosity during these difficult times, and God bless our wonderful city.

Nevada Contractors Association

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=465190&issueID=56225 to view the full article online.

AGC Of America Releases Construction Spending Gains In July And August

Most major construction spending categories increased from July to August, but activity was mixed compared to spending levels a year earlier, according to an analysis of new government data by AGC of America. Association officials noted that big drops in public investments mean infrastructure will continue to deteriorate and impede economic growth.

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2017/10/02/construction-spending-increases-most-categories-july-august-year-over-year-changes to view the full article online.

Unified Tax Reform Framework Will Lower Cost Of Construction Projects

On September 29, 2017, Stephen E. Sandherr, the CEO of AGC of America, released the following statement in reaction to the Unified Framework released today by congressional leaders and the Trump administration:

"The tax reform framework is a step in the right direction. At 30.3 percent, the construction industry faces the highest effective tax rate of any industry in America, said Sandherr. "The overwhelming majority of construction firms are pass-through businesses, meaning the owners pay taxes at the individual rates, not the corporate rate.

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2017/09/29/unified-tax-reform-framework-will-lower-cost-construction-projects-and-allow-firms to view the full article online.

Hurricane Harvey Related News

AGC Houston Supports Harvey Relief Efforts Through AGC Charities

Have your employees been impacted by Harvey?

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, AGC of America has set up a call for funds through its AGC Charities, Inc., which will be dispersed to employees of AGC member companies who were directly impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

AGC Houston encourages all members of the commercial construction industry to aid with disaster relief by donating to AGC Charities, Inc. To apply for financial relief, please visit http://agccharities.org/assistance-programs/ for more details.

Please encourage members of your workforce to apply for financial relief. Completed forms must be sent to HarveyRelief@agchouston.org.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=464907&issueID=56225 to view the full article online.

Declared Natural Disasters and Emergencies Tax Help

The Comptroller’s office has compiled information for taxpayers affected by the storm, including details on:

• How to request an extension of filing tax returns;

• The temporary waiver of state and local hotel tax for disaster victims and relief workers; and

• Certain sales tax exemptions available as a result of a declared natural disaster.

For more information, please visit the Declared Natural Disasters and Emergencies Tax Help webpage.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=464909&issueID=56225 to view the full article online.

Rates May Rise After Recent Natural-disaster Losses Reach At Least $100B

Recent hurricanes and earthquakes might have caused more than $100 billion in insured losses, which is likely to affect the insurance industry's capital reserves and quarterly earnings. Although pricing has declined in recent years, such a high level of losses would likely lead reinsurers and commercial insurers to raise rates, executives say.

Read the Full article in The Wall Street Journal.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=465216&issueID=56225 to view the full article online.

Repair Permits And Debris Pick-Up Reporting

Repair Permits

As Houston homeowners rebuild, it's important to ensure that you have the proper permits to move forward. The Houston Permitting Center is making this easier by opening satellite permitting centers throughout the city and has extended hours at all locations. For a list of locations and tips for making repairs to your homes, click here.

Report Your Debris

The city's Solid Waste Management Department is working to remove debris as quickly as possible throughout Houston. Be sure the city knows about your damage and debris by submitting a report on houston311.org or on the Houston 311 App for smartphones. Please note that calling 311 repeatedly will not increase the speed by which your debris is collected. For information on debris management, visit houstonrecovers.org.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=465093&issueID=56225 to view the full article online.

News you can Use

Top 10 OSHA Violations Announced at National Safety Congress

On September 26, 2017,at the National Safety Council's annual Congress & Expo, OSHA Deputy Director of Enforcement Programs Patrick Kapust announced the preliminary list of 10 standards most frequently cited by the agency's inspectors during Fiscal Year 2017. Fall protection was the most-cited standard for the seventh year in a row, followed by hazard communication, and scaffolding.

The only new addition to last year's list was fall protection - training requirements, which came in at ninth place. OSHA publicizes the top 10 list to increase awareness of these standards so employers can take steps to find and fix the hazards to prevent injury or illness.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=465164&issueID=56225 to view the full article online.

Excavation Work Begins At $1.1B Texas Ballpark

On Monday, October 2, 2017,excavation for the new $1.1 billion retractable-roof ballpark began on the eastern portion of the project site, which sits on what was parking lot B just south of Globe Life Park. The work comes less than a week after the Texas Rangers held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site to formally kick off construction of the new ballpark.

Visit http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/arlington/article176797721.html to view the full article online.

Hurricanes Won't Impact Louisiana Construction Labor Market

Contractors in Louisiana are worried that the hurricanes in Houston and Florida could have a significant impact on the construction labor market in a region still working to bounce back from the 2016 floods. According to Ken Simonson, Associated General Contractors of America chief economist, enough work exists in Louisiana, meaning there is "little incentive" for workers to leave the state.

Visit http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/business/article_3289a5e2-973b-11e7-8796-7f7ef21739e2.html to view the full article online.

Harris County Permit Office Opens In New Northwest Houston Location

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=464927&issueID=56225 to view the full article online.

Membership Benefits

Your AGC Membership Pays

AGC members are eligible to participate in more than 20 discount programs specially designed to meet the needs of contractors. Whether you are looking to purchase a new vehicle for your fleet or for ways to cut costs on fuel and shipping, AGC programs can save you money. Enroll and maximize the value of your membership. Discover more.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=464910&issueID=56225 to view the full article online.

Podcasts Offers Latest News On Construction Industry

The ConstructorCast is AGC of America's monthly podcast covering all the news, views, and interviews relevant to your construction business. Each month, we pick a new topic and sit down with experts to go in depth on some of the most pressing subjects in the construction industry. Search for it on your mobile device's podcast app to subscribe, or visit our website for more information.

Topics include:

Diversity and Inclusion in Construction(link is external)

What You Don't Know About Safety Could Kill You(link is external)

Construction's Case for Immigration Reform(link is external)

Why Construction Needs Standard Form Contracts

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=465178&issueID=56225 to view the full article online.