It's been an honor to feature women this week who work in all aspects of the Minnesota construction industry! This year's theme of "Many Paths, One Mission" is personified by the women who have shared their stories with AGC this year; the paths that have led them to their current roles in the industry are as diverse as the work they perform. Please take a moment to read their inspiring stories.

For our final spotlight this year, AGC staff toured a job site with many women working on it - the impressive Ames-Kraemer Joint Venture Twin Ports Interchange project. Take a look at the photos from the site tour, and click through to read the stories of the women who are building infrastructure in Duluth!

Week 10: A Bonding Bill is Passed...One House 

The last time a capital investment or bonding bill passed the Legislature was October 2020 - until this week when the House took action to pass a bill. Because of the backlog of asset preservation, local government, water infrastructure, transportation and other projects, Democrat leaders in the House and Senate have been pushing for early passage of a bonding bill and have even hinted at passage of two bonding bills this session. However, bonding bills require a three-fifths majority to pass, meaning at least eleven House Republicans would need to support the bill. On Monday, the House took up a $1.5 billion general obligation bonding package, HF 669 and HF 670, a $400 million cash bill. (Spreadsheet) into Monday’s scheduled vote, the House Republicans met privately for almost two hours, making passage of a bill uncertain. However, when the final vote was taken, 20 Republicans voted "yes" and the bill now moves to the Senate. Why a group of rural Republicans helped the DFL pass a bonding bill in the Minnesota House | MinnPost

Prior to the House action on the bonding package, Senate Republicans held a press conference led by Minority Leader Mark Johnson who proclaimed the bonding bill would be “dead on arrival” when it gets to the Senate. While Senate Republicans have said they ultimately support passage of a bonding bill, they do not support a bill before action on tax cuts. Remember, at least eight Senate Republicans must vote for a bonding bill in order for it to pass. Minnesota House passes $1.9 billion bonding package, path forward is unclear | MPR News

Congress will soon vote to repeal a new regulation that expands federal permitting over more construction projects around water, potentially even some ditches. Uncertainty and confusion around requirements in the federal environmental permitting process can significantly drive-up project costs, delay schedules, and, ultimately, cause project cancellations. Tell President Biden and Congress the construction industry doesn’t need more red tape to delay construction.

Many AGC members and friends have had the pleasure of interacting with our Director of Administration, Ana Lowery. Today marks the end of Ana’s nearly 4 years of service with AGC.

Although we are saddened to say goodbye, we are thrilled that Ana will be further developing her professional talents with AGC member firm Knutson Construction Services.Ana joins the Knutson team to help broaden their footprint in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion space. We wish her well in her new career pursuits and look forward to seeing her at future industry events and engagements. AGC HR Forum members will still interact with Ana as she continues to co-chair the forum, now as a member.

Thank you, Ana, for your dedication and inspiration in helping AGC of Minnesota to be the Trusted Resource for the construction industry!

Tim Worke, CEO

"Line” liens provide contractors working on renewable energy projects with a powerful tool to secure payment for their work. However, Minnesota’s current line lien statute is vague and uncertain. This article examines what line liens are, what rights they may or may not cover, and explains the need for a legislative solution. Learn more

Hugh Brown and Kasia Kokoszka are members of Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson's Construction Law Department. Hugh can be reached at 612.359.7663 or hbrown@fwhtlaw.com. Kasia can be reached at 612.359.7601 or kkokoszka@fwhtlaw.com.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation started spring load restrictions in the Southeast and Metro zones today, and will start spring load restrictions in the South zone on Monday, March 13, at 12:01 a.m.

Seasonal load limit zones and restricted routes can be found on the MnDOT load limits map. Start and end dates and other load limit information are shown here.

Now in its 20th year, the Construction Health and Safety Excellence (CHASE) program is the longest-running partnership with MNOSHA. As we rightly celebrate this successful partnership and the significant gains in safety within the industry that have resulted, we're also looking to the future of CHASE within a changing industry. Changes in project delivery and contracting methods, safety specifications, workforce demographics, training and experience levels, and owner expectations necessitate a review by CHASE stakeholders to make it even more effective and relevant.

Therefore, to improve CHASE, AGC is developing a new position fully dedicated to the CHASE program and is hereby expanding the CHASE advisory committee to increase the number of participants to be more representative of AGC’s membership and a changing industry. This change will facilitate more discussion about needed program changes and broaden CHASE ownership to better reflect AGC’s diverse membership and experience.

Please contact Matthew with any questions or interest in involvement!

The 2022-2023 Leadership Blueprint cohort spent time this week in Duluth and Mountain Iron, touring the MinnTac Mine - the largest surface iron ore-producing mine in the United States - and working on their leadership skills.

Come hear from participants about how the program has benefited them on April 12 at the graduation reception! Registration info below.

Make your voice heard! Each year, AGC members meet with key decision makers and advocate for the construction industry. It’s important to communicate with legislators this time of year as they make key budget and policy decisions. Join us as we discuss the best ways to advocate for the industry, and hear from legislators and state agency heads on what's in store.

Join the 2022-2023 Leadership Blueprint cohort on April 12 (immediately following AGC Day at the Capitol) as they celebrate their graduation! Hear from graduates on how the program helped equip them as leaders, and then hear from nationally recognized speaker Jake Thompson.

AGC members and prospective members are encouraged to join the AGC Board of Directors and staff for a member networking event at Coyote Moon Grill (on the Territory Golf Course property) in St. Cloud on April 13th!

Join AGC staff and members along with MBEX Young Professionals for a St. Paul Saints game against the Louisville Bats on Wednesday, August 9 at 1:07 pm! Food and comfortable accommodations included!

Sponsorship opportunities can be found during registration.

Interested in how advertising through AGC could benefit your firm?

Take a look at AGC's Media Kit, and contact Katie to learn more.