U.S. Senate Moves Forward on $1.2T Bipartisan Infrastructure Package

On July 28, the Senate agreed, 67-32, to begin debate on a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package. Ahead of the vote, the bipartisan group of senators announced it had resolved all major issues on the package. As a result of this initial vote, the Senate will consider the package over the coming days and, perhaps, weeks. However, an actual legislative bill detailing what is in the package has yet-to-be released or formally introduced as of July 29. When a bill is introduced in the Senate and, if passed, the bill will head to the House of Representatives for consideration. A 57-page summary of the bipartisan infrastructure package notes how it includes funding for a host of traditional, physical infrastructure. AGC appreciates and has fought for the significant levels of investment in the package and awaits actual legislative text before considering a formal association endorsement. For more information, click here.

Minnesota’s severe drought is forcing the DNR to suspend certain water permits. If you have a project in red on this map, then consumptive water usage either has been suspended or is being reviewed for suspension. Contact the local hydrologist listed on your permit or you can find the contact to your local hydrologist on AGC’s Drought Page.

Yesterday, the Small Business Administration (SBA) formally announced that it is “discontinuing” the “Loan Necessity Questionnaire” that long burdened all applications for the forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of over $2M. In response to a “Frequently Asked Question” that SBA has just posted on its web site, the agency explains that it has “received 61 comments from members of the public” on the form and that “the majority of the comments raised objections” its use.  SBA also acknowledges that its “loan necessity reviews” of all PPP loans over $2M “are lengthy and have caused delays beyond the 90-day statutory timeline for forgiveness , thus negatively impacting those borrowers that made their loan necessity certification in good faith.”

AGC of America sued SBA last December for developing the form entirely in secret, and without public input, and for using the form to change the de facto requirements for the forgiveness of PPP loans over $2M. In response, SBA finally released the form to the public and reopened the period for public comment on its particulars (which SBA had somehow decided to solicit even before releasing the form). Since April of 2021, AGC and SBA have been trying to negotiate a settlement of that lawsuit, and in the course of those negotiations, AGC learned that SBA had begun the process of discontinuing the form. At the same time, AGC began to receive reports that SBA was finally beginning to grant applications that AGC members had filed months earlier.  

AGC members have another opportunity to assist in reducing Green House Gases (GHG) by applying for funds to replace heavy-duty diesel vehicles with all-electric, cleaner diesel, or alternative fuel models. The funds used to offset replacing a heavy-duty vehicle are from the national agreement agreement with Volkswagen. Public, private, and non-profit organizations and tribal governments are all eligible to apply.

Details on types of vehicles eligible and how much can be offset can be found here.  Applications are due no later than 4:30 p.m. August 9, 2021.

Nominations are open to AGC members for awards to be given for 2020 work hours and safety records. Awards will be presented in 3 categories: Category I (0 – 149,999 hours), Category II (150,000 – 299,999 hours), and Category III (300,000+ hours).

Watch the 2020 Jensen Award Presentations:

MnDOT is required by the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration to set statewide goals for disadvantaged business participation in federally funded projects over the next three years. The proposed FHWA and FTA goals will be posted on August 2, 2021.

Two virtual public hearings are scheduled on the following dates to discuss the goals and methodology and receive public comment:

The statewide goals and executive summary will be made available for public inspection Aug. 2 ‐ Sept. 2, 2021, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Minnesota Department of Transportation, 395 John Ireland Blvd, St. Paul, Minn. and here. Public comments will be accepted until Sept. 2, 2021.

For Zoom links, contacts, and more information, visit the DBE Goals page.

All AGC members are invited to join AGC Leadership Blueprint Alumni and the Minnesota Builders Exchange (MBEX) Young Professionals for a St. Paul Saints game next Wednesday, August 4 when the Saints take on the Louisville Bats at CHS Field in St. Paul.

AGC's professional development series for the emerging leaders in construction management kicks off in November with a new cohort! The upcoming schedule and nomination form can be found here.

Listen to former participants explain the personal and company-wide benefits to taking part in the Leadership Blueprint program:

Join us on September 15 at Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club for our annual fundraiser! Funds raised are used for scholarships for students pursuing degrees in the construction industry.

Get all the details and register here.