AGC of MN’s Tim Worke joined Senate Transportation Chair Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson), Senators Jeff Howe and Gary Dahms, and our industry partners on Tuesday to advocate for increased transportation funding. The bill would dedicate 100% of the auto parts sales tax to roads and bridges. Currently, about half of the sales tax goes towards transportation, while the rest goes to the state’s general fund. The Transportation Committee gave a bipartisan, unanimous thumbs up and passed the bill to its next committee. The committee also debated and passed a bill that would implement a fee on electricity used at electric vehicle charging stations, akin to how gas is taxed at the wholesale level.

“We (business and labor) are here together because this is what our industry looks like working together both at the project level and here at the policy level to maximize investments in infrastructure that benefit all Minnesotans,” said Tim Worke. In addition to strong legislative leadership and support, AGC is grateful to our partners at IUOE Local 49, North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, MN Chamber of Commerce, MN Business Partnership, MN Asphalt Pavement Association, and the Concrete Paving Association of MN.

The State’s Financial Forecast will be released on Monday at noon. What does this mean? The February forecast serves as the basis for the legislature to work from when making decisions about the state’s finances during session. The last forecast was completed in November, which showed a $7.7 billion surplus. Although tax collections and receipts have continued to come in slightly above projections, it is expected the state’s budget office will promote caution considering the macroeconomic uncertainty with the conflict in Ukraine. 

The 2022-23 AGC Form Contracts are here!

MEMBERS can download the latest contracts now for FREE. 

NON-MEMBERS can purchase access to the contracts on the website.

We have secured 5 free uploads on DocumentCrunch (a $1200 value) for members and nonmembers who subscribe to our contracts.

DocumentCrunch analyzes a construction document and makes a report of either (1) the most important provisions terms making reviewing and negotiating a contract quicker, easier, and more digestible, or (2) a terms report for a PM or Supervisor to reference to comply with the contract terms. More info on DocumentCrunch.

We look forward to highlighting women across the industry each day on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter accounts, and in our March 11 Weekly Update!

View the schedule of events, and sign up for the Industry Showcase & Happy Hour, where you can network with your peers while learning about local trade associations and organizations making a difference in our industry!

Archie and Phebe Givens married in the 1940s, having met while growing up in North Minneapolis. A successful real estate developer, Archie Givens was later dubbed the state’s first black millionaire, and his wife, also a philanthropist, was considered by many to be Minnesota’s black Florence Nightingale.

Founded in 1972 as a scholarship organization, the Archie and Phebe Mae Givens Foundation sponsors emerging black authors and community reading campaigns. The Archie Givens Sr. Collection of African-American Literature spans more than 10,000 rare and first-edition books and manuscripts at the University of Minnesota.

The 1909 Casiville Bullard House in St. Paul is a rare example of a house built and owned by an African American skilled laborer in the early twentieth century in Minnesota. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 in recognition of its significance.

Bullard was a card-carrying member of the Bricklayers Local #1 and was sought after for his skills since it was rare to find a laborer proficient at both brick and stonework. He was part of the team that built many significant buildings in St. Paul such as the Federal Courts Building (now the Landmark Center), the Cathedral of St. Paul, the Governor's Residence, the Union Depot, and the Highland Park Water Tower.

The Metropolitan Council intends to solicit sealed bids for the construction of the Metro Transit Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit project in the I-94 corridor between Downtown St. Paul and Woodbury. This solicitation is anticipated to be issued during the week of March 7, 2022. 

For current solicitation information, view the Met Council's Contracting Opportunities.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation On-the-Job Training program placed 211 trainees in jobs in highway construction careers in 2021, exceeding its original goal of 130 trainees. This marks the fourth year in a row that the program exceeded its trainee goal number.

“The On-the-Job Training program’s goal is to create a more diverse workforce by providing training in highway construction to people of color, women and disadvantaged populations,” said Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher. “MnDOT is committed to improving access to positions and enhancing career opportunities for historically underserved individuals.”

Read the full press release here.

AGC of America proudly offers Lean Construction Education Program (LCEP) Courses virtually with a series of three-hour sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning March 29th and running through May 19th, sessions held from noon to 3 pm EDT via Zoom. 

Register now, or learn more about Lean.

All students who complete the series are eligible to take the CM-Lean Exam and earn your Certificate of Management - Lean Construction