June 5, 2014

This newsletter is delivered electronically to our members.

INDUSTRY

NYS Transportation Resource Center Design-Build Project Announced The NYSDOT and Thruway Authority will co-locate in a new facility to be built near the current Thruway headquarters at Exit 23. The Thruway Authority will procure this new 2,000 occupant building via design-build. The RFQ and project information can be found at the project webpage: http://www.thruway.ny.gov/external/rfq/index.html

A Pre-RFQ informational meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 from 10:00 am to Noon at The Desmond, 660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, NY. Attendance by Proposers at the Pre-SOQ informational meeting is required. Staff Contact: Karen Morrison

AGC of America Launches Effort to Cut Construction Accidents Local D.C. Contractors Hold Safety Stand Down On Monday, June 2, AGC released a new state-by-state analysis of construction safety and announced a new effort to cut worksite accidents during a visit to a Washington, D.C. construction site participating in a nationwide safety stand-down program. During the event, association and federal officials observed all construction activity come to a halt so that workers could participate in safety training programs. Stephen Sandherr, AGC CEO, released the new state-by-state construction safety analysis and outlined the steps the industry is taking to improve safety. Jim Maddux, director of the Construction Directorate for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), spoke about the national safety stand-down the agency organized. “Every craft worker has a right to get home safely to his or her family every night,” said Sandherr. “We, our members and our industry are committed to taking every step possible to improve construction safety.”

As part of the new safety effort, AGC will conduct an exhaustive analysis of the details of each of the 806 construction fatalities that took place across the country in 2012. The objective, Sandherr noted, is to identify the common threads among the fatality incidents. Noting that “the best safety programs are based on a solid understanding of vulnerabilities,” Sandherr said the association will share its findings with member firms, the federal Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) and every other construction firm and association that wants the data, free of charge. He added that the new effort is designed to complement many steps AGC and member firms are already taking to address workplace safety. Click here http://www.agc.org/galleries/news/2014_Construction_Fatality_Percent.pdf to see the state construction fatality data and here to see the state construction injury data.

Editors’ Note: It should be noted that the data shows that in the last available data year (2012), NYS ranked 12th in the nation in the Construction Fatality Rate (Fatalities per 100,000 Workers) 24th in the nation relative to percentage of improvement – or lack thereof when it comes to NYS. If the proponents of maintaining the status quo in NYS relative to the Scaffold Law were to be believed, you would think NYS would rank a heck of a lot higher. Staff Contact: Joe Hogan

New Report Finds EPA Economic Analysis of Wetlands Rule Deeply Flawed A new report released last week is sharply critical of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) estimates of probable costs and benefits associated with the proposed rule on “Waters of the United States.” The report finds that EPA has significantly underestimated the economic impacts the rule will have on local communities and businesses. Read More

FASB and IASB Issue Improved Converged Standard on Revenue Recognition On May 28, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) released the final standard for revenue recognition. The standard is vastly improved for the construction industry from the first iteration based largely on an intense education effort by AGC members who are active in the AGC Financial Issues Forum. It will improve the financial reporting of revenue and improve comparability of the top line in financial statements globally. The core principle of the new standard is for companies to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration (that is, payment) to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Read More

***Don’t Forget to RSVP*** AGC NYS Will Host Attorney General Candidate John Cahill at a Roundtable Discussion with AGC NYS Members on June 26th in Albany On June 26th from 12-1:30, AGC NYS will host Attorney General Candidate John Cahill at a roundtable discussion with AGC NYS members and staff at the Fort Orange Club in Albany. Mr. Cahill, an accomplished attorney and a former top aide to Governor Pataki, is running against current Attorney General Eric Schneiderman in this year’s November elections. We strongly encourage our members to attend this event as Mr. Cahill supports a number of AGC NYS’s top legislative proposals such as hydraulic fracturing and easing burdensome regulations on business. The event is free to attend but space is limited; to RSVP please contact Stacy Manny at [email protected] by June 20, 2014.

Register Now for Our 2014 Summer Meeting, July 17-20, 2014 Once again AGC NYS will host it’s Summer Meeting at the Sagamore Resort located on Lake George. We have developed a full program for this event which will include a presentation of AGC’s highest honor—the S.I.R. award, to Joseph “Bud” Gigliotti on Friday evening, July 18. In addition, we will once again have the associated trade show so make sure to reserve a booth before they sell out. There are several sponsorships still available for this event and an opportunity to congratulate Buddy on his award in our Cornerstone Magazine. Click here for complete meeting information including all sponsorship opportunities. If you have any questions, please contact Cathy Newell at [email protected] or by phone at 518-456-1134. Staff Contact: Cathy Newell

Last Chance to Register for the 25th Annual Anthony S. Santaro AGC Scholarship Classic On Monday, June 23, 2014 the Associated General Contractors of State will host the 25th Annual Anthony S. Santaro AGC Scholarship Classic at one of America's premier golf destinations, Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York. THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR THIS TOURNAMENT is Wednesday June 18, 2014.

FORMAT: Fivesome scramble on Shenendoah & Kaluhyat courses or 2-man best ball competition on Atunyote (limited spots available) and Kaluyat.

 Registration opens at 8:00 am  Shotgun start at 10:30 am (tee times assigned for Atunyote)  Lunch provided on each course  Reception at 4:00 pm  Awards dinner at 5:30 pm

Click here to download your registration and sponsor form now.

Questions concerning registration or sponsorship should be directed to: Brendan Manning, 518- 456-1134 or [email protected]. Paid registrations will be processed on a first-come, first- served basis. Staff Contact: Brendan Manning

BUILDING

New York City Construction Codes Take Effect October 1 Prepare now for the 2014 NYC Construction Codes, which go into effect on October 1.

Register for an Upcoming Code Training View a Recent Seminar on Changes Read the Build Safe│Live Safe Conference Presentations Learn About a New Code-Required Certification: Adhesive Anchors Staff Contact: Joe Hogan

NYS Thruway Authority Issues RFQ for NYS Transportation Resource Center Design- Build Project In somewhat of a surprise move, the NYS Thruway Authority (TA) issued an RFQ of a new NYS Transportation Resource Center to be constructed on the grounds of the current TA Headquarters under a Design Build arrangement. Based on an initial perusal of the RFQ, it appears that the expectation is for a project valued over $100 Million. From an evaluation of the RFQ’s, to be submitted by July 18th, a shortlist of no more than 4 teams will be invited to offer a proposal. A $100,000 stipend will be made available to each of the shortlisted proposers (other than the team awarded the contract). A MANDATORY Pre-SOQ Informational Meeting will be held on June 10.

NOTE: You may remember that when NYS DOT put out the RFP for the Rochester intermodal design build project, AGC NYS expressed grave concern that even where a single contract were authorized within the requirements of the Wicks Law (section 135 of State Finance Law) it could be found that the remainder of the laws strictures relative to MEP sublisting could not practically be met. We have no such concern with this project. The TA’s enabling legislation in Public Authorities Law does not bind it to Section 135 of State Finance Law. That was confirmed by the NYS Court of Appeals in 1959 in the case of Plumbing, Heating, Piping and Air Conditioning Contractors Association et al v. NYS Thruway Authority et al. Staff Contact: Joe Hogan

AGC NYS Meets Again with the STA to Discuss the NYSSCA’s FID Process In its second meeting, the AGC NYS/STA (Subcontractors Trade Association) focused on the School Construction Authority’s FID (construction inspection) department and processes. The group discussed the various problems with the process and the negative impacts those processes often cause SCA projects. With those problems in mind, the group looks at a variety of possible solutions. The leadership of the liaison group plans to meet with SCA President Grillo and her key staff later this month to discuss those solutions. Staff Contact: Joe Hogan

AGC NYS Building Membership Luncheon-Utica, June 24th AGC NYS Chairman Vince Iannelli will join AGC NYS Staff for a Building Membership luncheon in Utica on June 24. We will discuss the State of the Industry generally and in the region, the state of AGC NYS and issues of interest and concern that AGC NYS is (or should be) concerned with. We hope you can join us.

• Utica – June 24th – The Yahnundasis Golf Club - 8639 Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford

The cost to attend the event is $30; to register please click on the meeting link above.

In the fall, we will hold similar events in other regions of the State. Staff Contact: Joe Hogan

Construction Unemployment Rate Declines to Seven-Year Low of 9.4 Percent The unemployment rate in construction dropped to the lowest April level in seven years as contractors added 32,000 workers to payrolls in April, bringing industry employment to 6.0 million, the highest level since June 2009, according to an analysis of new government data by AGC of America. Association officials warned that it is essential to revive and expand training opportunities before the industry runs short of workers.

“It is heartening that all categories of construction employers added workers, not only in April but over the past 12 months,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Moreover, contractors have been adding to workers’ hours as well as hiring more employees.” Staff Contact: Joe Hogan

Collaborate with Your Peers at the 2014 Building Contractors Conference Where can a construction industry professional learn the latest collaborative strategies and interact with high level leaders all in one place? At “AEC Collaboration 2014: Partnering, Opportunity, Risk & The Future,” the AGC of America Building Contractors Conference, Sept. 10-12, 2014, in Austin, Texas.

Collaboration is all an encompassing term, but to be successful in the construction industry, a contractor has to collaborate with many people from the architect, insurance agent, lawyer, owner, etc. The contractor who can learn how to successfully join forces with these various entities will be the contractor who comes out on top. The sessions this year will demonstrate how you can partner with stakeholders, reap the rewards and be ready for the future of collaboration in the construction industry. Seats are filing up fast, be sure to sign up today! For more information and to register, click here http://meetings.agc.org/AustinBCC! Staff Contact: Joe Hogan

Webinar: Getting Started With Your BIM Implementation Plan Thursday, June 26, 2014 | 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. ET So you're ready to kickstart BIM in your organization. You want to 'begin with the end in mind', but where do you even begin? In this webinar, Nathan Wood of DPR Construction and Robert Yori of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill will share their thoughts on key items to consider when starting your plan. Topics will include determining what types of information will be useful; prioritizing objectives to encourage success; and encouraging and motivating teams to change. After participating in this webinar, you will be able to understand BIM as it relates to information management; recognize the different types of information pertinent to different stakeholders and project phases; and identify three key objectives for your implementation. For more information and to register, click here https://events.agc.org/EventCalendar/Event?eventId=fc81dd5d-63dc-4439-bddb-a30a00a2d29d Staff Contact: Joe Hogan

HIGHWAY

FHWA Everyday Counts Webinar Opportunity June 26 High Friction Surface Treatments Horizontal curves made up only 5 percent of our Nation’s highway miles in 2008. Yet, more than 25 percent of highway fatalities in the United States occur at or near horizontal curves each year. Some of the factors contributing to these crashes include excessive vehicle speed, distracted driving, driver error, and the deterioration of pavement surface friction.

As part of the safety focus area of the Every Day Counts (EDC) initiative, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is promoting High Friction Surface Treatments (HFST). HFST are the site-specific application of high-quality, durable aggregates using a polymer binder that restores and maintains pavement friction where the need for a safer pavement surface is the greatest. Transportation agencies that apply HFST to spot treat their problem locations can reduce a high percentage of the Roadway Departure crashes and wet crashes on their roadways.

This EDC Exchange will present information on HFST and how this technology can help you to improve safety for all users at curves, intersections, ramps and bridges in your jurisdictions. The Exchange will present a more in-depth look at how state and local agencies are implementing these innovative designs to solve some challenging problems.

Please join the Federal Highway Administration, the Cornell Local Technical Assistance Program Center and the New York State Department of Transportation for a presentation on High Friction Surface Treatments via a live webinar on June 26, 2014 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm EST.

To reserve a spot at the following Exchange locations, please contact: NYSDOT Main Office: 50 Wolf Rd. Albany, NY - Room 5S52 Contact: Daniel D’Angelo (518) 485-9288/Daniel.D’[email protected] or Phil Bell (518) 485- 8219/[email protected]

NYSDOT Region 3 - Syracuse: 333 E. Washington St., Syracuse, NY - 7th Floor Admin Training Center Contact: Susan Moore (315) 428-4345/[email protected]

NYSDOT Region 5 - Buffalo: 100 Seneca St., Buffalo, NY - 5th Salamanca Room Contact: Susan Surdej (716) 847-3239/[email protected] or Ramsey Kahi (716) 847- 3241)/[email protected]

NYSDOT Region 8 - Poughkeepsie: 4 Burnett Blvd., Poughkeepsie, NY - Computer Training Room (4th Floor) Contact: Irene Hanson (845) 431-5722/[email protected]

NYSDOT Region 10 - Hauppauge/: 250 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Hauppauge, NY - Room 5A-12 Contact: Deloris Pearson (631) 952-6108/[email protected] Staff Contact: Karen Morrison

Poll Finds Support for Transportation Tax The U.S. Travel Association and Building America's Future put out a survey (http://bit.ly/RYeyjO ) on transportation infrastructure last week, and the most noteworthy finding might just be how many people support paying more for transportation. A travel industry source passed this along: "70% of respondents say they are potentially willing to support tax, toll, and fee increases to pay for infrastructure if they have assurances that the increased expenses will go toward specific improvements. Overall, 84% would be somewhat willing to support some kind of revenue raiser. This is interesting because the travel industry has never taken an official stance on transportation funding, but the problem has become so bad we now need to take a serious look at the funding issue." Staff Contact: Karen Morrison

Recent Engineering Issuances Posted by NYSDOT EI 14-004 NYSDOT LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS This EI officially adopts the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, Sixth Edition 2012 with 2013 Interims, for use in New York State and announces the availability of the “NYSDOT LRFD Blue Pages” dated July 8, 2013.

EI 14-008 Revised Special Specifications for 6.3 Polymer Modified Hot Mix Asphalt The Revised Special Specification specifies the Multiple Stress Creep & Recovery (MSCR) grades which will be tested using AASHTO M 332, Performance-Graded Asphalt Binder, using Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) Test, the latest improvement in PG binder specification. Staff Contact: Karen Morrison

NYS Thruway has Adopted the Following EI’s EI 13-006 Effective Date: 6/03/2014 This EI does modify a portion of EI 09-027. STANDARD SPECIFICATION § 733-02 MECHANICALLY STABILIZED EARTH SYSTEM BACKFILL MATERIAL

EI 13-016 Effective Date: 6/03/2014 NEW STANDARD SPECIFICATION § 701-10 DUCT GROUTING MATERIAL (STRUCTURES)

EI 13-017 Effective Date: 6/03/2014 NEW STANDARD SPECIFICATION § 717-02 WATERPROOFING MEMBRANES

EI 13-022 Effective Date: 6/03/2014 SPECIFICATION REVISIONS: § 701-01, § 701-03, AND § 711-12

EI 13-024 Effective Date: 6/03/2014 NEW ITEMS FOR: TRANSITION BETWEEN HALF-SECTION AND FULL SECTION SINGLE SLOPE CONCRETE BARRIER Staff Contact: Karen Morrison

LEGISLATIVE NEWS

State Legislative News

NYC SCA Wick’s Exemption A.9718 (Nolan)/ S.7732 (Felder) - Extends the New York City School Construction Authority’s (SCA) exemption from the Wicks Law until 2019. Supported by AGC NYS. Read the bill memo here. Staff Contact: Walter Pacholczak

Federal Legislative News

THE TIME IS NOW TO FIX THE HIGHWAY TRUSTFUND! Join Your Colleagues In DC At The Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) Fly-In – June 10-11.

This is the year to come to Washington, DC and deliver the message: The Time is Now: Fix the Highway Trust Fund! Constituent visits are a key component to any successful advocacy strategy on Capitol Hill. Our congressional delegation needs to hear from us about the importance of continued investment in transportation infrastructure to the nation’s economy — creating jobs while building the future.

Join your colleagues in Washington, DC, June 10-11, 2014, for the Transportation Construction Coalition’s 2014 Legislative Fly-In at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. Click here for registration and hotel details.

Event Schedule:

Tuesday, June 10

2:30 pm. Legislative Briefing. Mayflower Hotel. 6:00 pm. Capitol Hill Reception. Mayflower Hotel. 7:30 pm. Dinner with a special guest. Location TBD.

Wednesday, June 11

8:00 am. Rally for Roads. Washington Mall. 9:00 am. Congressional Visits. Capitol Hill Staff Contact: Walter Pacholczak

Voter Advocacy

Federal Primary Day – Vote Tuesday, June 24 Voters in select districts will head to the polls on Tuesday, June 24th to cast ballots in Congressional primaries. Below is a list of key Congressional primaries for Republican and Democrat candidates. A complete list of primaries for all political parties is available at the NYS Board of Elections. To look up your voter registration status and poll site information please click this link and enter your information.

NY 1 (Long Island): Republican primary between George Demos and Lee Zeldin. NY 3 (Long Island): Republican primary between Grant Lally and Stephen Labate. NY 4 (Long Island): Democrat primary between and Kevan Abrahams. Republican primary between Bruce Blakeman, Frank Scaturro and Michael Vista. NY 5 (L.I. and NYC): Democrat primary between Greg Meeks and Joseph Marthone. NY 7 (NYC): Democrat primary between Nydia Valezquez and Jeffrey Kurzon. NY 13 (NYC): Democrat primary between Charles Rangel, Adriano Espaillat, Michael Walrond and Yolanda Garcia. NY 15 (NYC): Democrat primary between Jose Serrano and Sam Sloan. NY 21 (North Country): Republican primary between Elise Stefanik and Matt Doheny. NY 22 (Central NY): Republican primary between Richard Hanna and Claudia Tenney. Staff Contact: Walter Pacholczak

Working Families Party Endorses Governor Cuomo for Re-election In a contentious Working Families Party (WFP) Political Convention, Governor Andrew Cuomo defeated Fordham professor Zephyr Teachout to gain the ballot line in the General Election. According to published reports, the Governor pledged to work for the defeat of Republican State Senators and work for the passage of a host of liberal issues. The WFP political platform is anti- construction, anti-business and anti-taxpayer. The WFP agenda is available here. Staff Contact: Walter Pacholczak

SAFETY

Peter Delucia from AAC to Serve on AGC Environmental Forum Steering Committee AGC NYS is proud to announce that Peter Delucia from AAC, an environmental company from Rochester, New York, was asked to serve on the AGC Environmental Forum Steering Committee for a three year term. AGC National has a group of about 15 general contractor members and associates that form the Association’s environmental leadership steering committee. The intent of the committee is to help guide AGC’s environmental agenda.

AAC is a long standing Member of AGC NYS and has been a valuable resource to the New York State Chapter of AGC. AAC has always assisted AGC NYS staff with the numerous questions we often have regarding complex environmental issues. We were honored to hear that AGC National was interested in having Pete participate in this important steering committee and thankful that Pete accepted their offer. Congratulations and thank you Pete! Staff Contact: Jim Redmond

AROUND THE STATE

AGC NYS Chairman Vince Iannelli, Mike Elmendorf, Joe Hogan, and Mike Jamison attended regional Building Membership meetings in Watertown and Plattsburgh.