Most contractors expect demand for many types of construction to shrink in 2021 even as the pandemic is prompting many owners to delay or cancel already-planned projects, meaning few firms will hire new workers, according to survey results released Wednesday by the Associated General Contractors of America and Sage Construction and Real Estate.

The Small Business Administration has released three additional guidance documents concerning the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). They are:

 

The first interim final rule contains guidance on the many changes to the PPP that were recently enacted, including the eligibility of 501(c)(6) organizations and the deductibility of loan expenses. The second interim final rule concerns the newly created “second draw” PPP loans.

Winter truck load increases began this past Monday, January 4, on unrestricted state highways in the central frost zone. Frost zones can be found on the MnDOT load limits map.

State legislators took their oaths of office on Tuesday, January 5^th, without much pomp and circumstance. Legislative hearings are largely taking place in a virtual setting this session with the Capitol closed to the public. Throughout the month of January, committee work will focus on agency and issue area overviews, which is common in a budget-setting year. In February, policymakers will have a better idea of current fiscal situation with the release of the state’s budget forecast and can begin crafting their budget proposals. AGC of MN is focused on comprehensive transportation funding, any COVID-19 response legislation related to construction, and many other issues affecting your business. Reach out to your government affairs staff, Laura Ziegler, with any questions as the session work progresses.

This week, AGC of MN submitted comments to the Vaccine Allocation Advisory Group and the MN Department of Health to include the state’s construction workforce and related industry support personnel to be considered for early inclusion in the vaccine delivery sequencing. AGC of MN shares AGC of America’s position that there should be a nationwide plan that prioritizes vaccine distribution based on risk and need, and ensure that groups receive their vaccines in the same order across the country. While the industry has diligently worked to protect its workforce from COVID-19, and it has been largely successful in MN, its workers should be prioritized over other essential workers who have the option of working remotely. In addition to construction workers, we strongly support including service providers, particularly those who need to be on job sites like inspectors, regulators, and suppliers, be included for early inclusion as well. Ancillary contributors in construction keep the work on pace and moving ahead.

AGC of MN is ready to assist state and local partners as needed and is prepared to disseminate information through a range of channels. The Vaccine Advisory Allocation Group will meet early next week to discuss future vaccine distribution and consider public feedback in their discussion. Stay tuned for additional developments.  

Register soon for Supervisory Training Program (STP) units beginning in January:

Wednesdays: January 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10 

Thursdays: January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11

AGC of Minnesota will be starting another Lean cohort in January! Participants can save money by taking the entire series, or may register for individual units. See all the available units here.

AGC of Minnesota members can save $800 on the AGC of America Project Manager Development Program (PMDP) offered through AGC of Wisconsin. More information and registration details here.

For discount code to get member rate, contact Renee.

AGC of Minnesota members can save $100 per unit on the AGC of America Building Information Modeling (BIM) program offered through AGC of Missouri. More information and registration details here.

For information on getting the discounted rate, contact Nancy Lake.