Utility Infrastructure

AGC’s Lean Construction Forum is focused on growing the implementation of lean practices in the construction industry by providing educational opportunities and developing a community where anyone with an interest in lean construction can come together to engage in a dialog on best practices, share information, and participate in a broad, coordinated effort to promote and define the use of lean concepts and processes within the construction industry.

Construction spending in June declined from May but increased from a year ago as public investment shrank for nearly every type of structure, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned that the significant declines in public-sector construction spending come at a time when much of the nation’s public infrastructure is deteriorating due to age or overuse.

Congress overwhelmingly passed and the President signed into law the AGC’s supported Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. AGC successfully urged Congress to include in the WIIN Act the best provisions from the House and Senate Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) bills, passed earlier in September.

The Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works will hold a hearing concerning “the Federal Role in Keeping Water/Wastewater Infrastructure Affordable.” AGC submitted testimony for the record emphasizing support for several financing tools that would help contractors and their local government partners build the nation’s water/wastewater infrastructure. AGC called for increased appropriations to the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds (SRFs), enacting a long-term dedicated revenue stream for water/wastewater infrastructure (like a water trust fund), resurrecting the Build America bonds program, funding the new WIFIA program of direct federal loans and loan guarantees, and unlocking private capital by making private activity bonds for water and sewer exempt from the PAB volume cap. AGC and its coalition partners in the Water Infrastructure Network will continue to advocate for every method of increasing funding and financing for water/wastetwaer infrastructure.