April 9, 2021
LEGISLATIVE NEWS
Committees Wrap Up Budget Proposals

House and Senate committees pulled together their respective budget packages, often referred to as omnibus bills, as they contain a collection of budget and policy provisions in each topic area. Next week, legislators will passionately discuss their proposals and pass them off their respective chamber floor. The floor votes will set into motion the negotiation process between the Democrat-led House and the Republican-led Senate.

Click below for highlights of interest to AGC of Minnesota members from various omnibus appropriation bills - which includes both funding and policy provisions.
The Legislature has a May 17th deadline to wrap up budget negotiations before regular session must adjourn.

Contact Laura Ziegler with any questions or to join in legislative discussions at our next AGC Legislative Committee meeting on Thursday, April 15th at 11:30 via Zoom. 
LABOR & LEGAL NEWS
Contracts

AGC’s Contracts Committee updates its contracts for changes in law, practice, policy, and clarity. The new contracts now available:

  • Owner-Contractor agreement
  • Contractor-Subcontractor agreement
  • Material Purchase agreement (for material supplies)
  • Independent Trucker Owner/Operator agreement

These agreements are included in your AGC membership. Non-members can purchase licenses to some or all of the contracts. More information is available on AGC’s contracts webpage.
Labor Negotiations

Labor negotiations are continuing with Cement Masons (North Dakota and NW Minnesota Building) and Carpenters (North Dakota).  Contact Mike for more information.
Prefabrication Construction Contracts

AGC of America is hosting a webinar on April 13 on prefabrication construction cases. Learn more here.
GENERAL NEWS
AGC Issues Construction Inflation Alert
Register for Complimentary WebEd on Soaring Construction Materials & Supply Chain Costs

With construction materials and supplies seeing significant price spikes and delivery delays nationwide, AGC of America issued a comprehensive analysis via a Construction Inflation Alert. In addition, the association has reached out to the Biden administration, Congress and federal construction agencies to both provide insight on the impact of these price increases and delays on the construction industry and to recommend avenues to address them. Register today for an AGC-member, complimentary webinar on "Soaring Material and Supply-Chain Costs and Delays: What to Expect, How to Cope," with AGC Chief Economist Ken Simonson; ConsensusDocs Executive Director Brian Perlberg; and Dan Schnippert, Procurement Director, Marek. 
AGC of America Annual Report

Click here to view AGC of America's interactive annual report for 2020: "The Power of Engagement." Click below to watch a brief video overview.
Center for Workplace Mental Health: Construction Industry Survey

The construction industry suffers from some of the highest incident rates of mental health & well-being challenges in the country, including suicide rates. The events of the past year haven’t helped. Last year, AGC partner CSDZ hired Cal Beyer, one of the leading experts on construction mental health & worker well-being, to help clients & the industry overcome this crisis.

Based on Cal’s work, CSDZ is co-sponsoring a pulse survey from The Center for Workplace Mental Health, a program of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation. The purpose of the survey is to better understand the needs and experiences of the construction industry when it comes to mental health issues.

If you are a leader, manager, or supervisor within a construction company, your participation in this brief survey would be greatly appreciated. Multiple responses from different positions within the same construction firm are OK.
Red River Watershed Management Board Issues RFP

The Red River Watershed Management Board (RRWMB) is announcing the release of a High Resolution Digital Elevation Data Acquisition Request for Proposals (RFP). The RRWMB will accept responses to the RFP until 5:00 pm, April 30, 2021. Inquires can be directed to Robert L. Sip, RRWMB Executive Director at rob.sip@rrwmb.org or 218-474-1084. The RFP can be downloaded here.
MnDOT Announces 2021 State Construction Projects

MnDOT announced over 200 projects for the 2021 state construction program. “Safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable transportation is vital to the quality of life and economic success of our state,” said MnDOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher. “Although Minnesota’s transportation needs greatly outnumber available resources, this year’s construction program demonstrates MnDOT’s commitment to making smart investments in our system to better serve all people.” 

For a video overview, interactive map, and full 2021 project list, click here.
Spring Load Restrictions End in Southeast/Metro Frost Zones

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will end spring load restrictions in the southeast and metro frost zones at 12:01 a.m. Monday, April 12, 2021.

Spring load restrictions are still in effect in the south, central, north-central and north frost zones.

Frost zones can be found on the MnDOT load limits map. Start and end dates and other load limit information are shown at mndot.gov/loadlimits.
MnDOT Request for Letters of Interest

MnDOT is releasing a Request for Letters of Interest for the $200-300 million I-494 Airport to Hwy 169 Design-Build project. Download the document, or find more information here, including the project Sharepoint site.
CM/GC Request for Proposals Available
TH 10/75 – 11th Street Underpass in Moorhead, MN

The Request for Proposals (RFP) is issued by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to all firms and teams of firms interested in a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) professional/technical services contract for the TH 10/75 – 11th Street Underpass project located in Clay County, Minnesota. MnDOT invites such Proposers to submit competitive proposals for CMGC services for the Project as more specifically described in this RFP. Information here.
Constructability Review Requests

MnDOT is asking potential contractors to assist with evaluating construction staging and risks to constructing the SP 8503-53 (TH 43) – Mankato Avenue Reconstruction project in Winona, while minimizing impacts to adjacent properties. Click here for more info.

MnDOT is currently preparing plans for the SP 2514-121 (TH 61) – Red Wing Withers Harbor Bridge Replacement project, and is is asking potential contractors to assist with evaluating construction staging and risks to constructing this proposed project while minimizing impacts to adjacent properties. Click here for more info.

Due to a high calculated daily road user cost and lengthy detours required, MnDOT is seeking input on the staging and constructability of the grading operations for the
SP 0119-30 (TH 210/US 169) – Unbonded Concrete Overlay project. MnDOT is hopeful that this input will aid in the timely construction of a quality roadway and minimize the amount of negative impacts to the traveling public during construction. Click here for all the information.
Watch: Attachments to Boost Skid Steer and Compact Track Loader Productivity 

Having the right attachments is key to getting the most out of compact construction equipment. There is a large variety of attachments for skid steers and compact track loaders.
Find out what are the most popular attachments, options for those who have older machines but want new attachments (and vice versa), and how easy it is to switch out attachments on a machine. Learn more

Dan Stong, Compact Equipment Sales Manager, RDO Equipment Co.

GSOC has determined it is important to make necessary one call locate changes. These change are targeted to begin April 21, 2021. Please review the information here so you have the necessary tools to start your next project.

The changes include:
  • Dynamic High-Volume Ticket Alert Notice
  • Meet Ticket Recommendations for Projects with Long Duration of Work
  • Update Ticket Process Change
  • White Lining Responses
  • Mark Entire Lot Instructions
2021-2022 AGC of Minnesota Foundation Scholarships Open

Students enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution in a construction field are encouraged to apply for the AGC of Minnesota Foundation 2021-2022 scholarships. Application and instructions can be found here.
Dan Hannan Sr. EHS Memorial Scholarship

Students pursuing an Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) career are invited to apply for the Dan Hannan Sr. Memorial EHS Scholarship. Administered by former AGC employee Dan Hannan Jr., this $1000 scholarship memorializes his father's service to his trade, and highlights the importance of health and safety in the industry.

Applications must be received by May 1, 2021.
AGC Workforce Development Scholarships

The AGC Education and Research Foundation offers Workforce Development Scholarships to students enrolled in accredited technical schools or craft training programs in any discipline of commercial construction. Students in technical or approved craft training programs will have until June 1st to apply for $1,000 scholarships (renewal for up to two years) from the AGC Education and Research Foundation.

To review the complete list of criteria click here. Students can click here to apply.  The Education and Research Foundation is committed to taking steps to ensure students have the technical skills needed to immediately enter into the commercial construction workforce. For further questions, contact Courtney Bishop.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION NEWS
Call for Member Participation:
AGC Representative Media Library

Partnering with Autodesk, AGC of America is building a Representative Media Library to showcase the diverse construction workforce to the media and the public. They are looking for members who are dedicated to diversity and are interested in having professional photographers to take photos of their workforce on jobsites. AGC of America will pay for the photographers, thanks to a grant from Autodesk. The photos will be used only by journalists and AGC for editorial coverage. They will not be used for commercial purposes.

This is a great opportunity to show your commitment to diversity and inclusion and contribute to this industry-wide effort. Please contact Sophia Valentino by April 23, 2021 if you would like to participate or have any questions about the project. 
EDUCATION & EVENTS
Leadership Blueprint 2021-2022

AGC Minnesota is pleased to announce that the 2021/22 Leadership Blueprint schedule is complete and nominations are now being accepted. Class size is limited to 21 people and applicants must be nominated by their supervisor. The Leadership Blueprint is available to AGC Minnesota members only and will begin November 4-5, 2021.

Please submit a completed nominating form and supporting documentation to Merry Beckmann by June 30, 2021. Successful candidates will be notified no later than August 2, 2021.
National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction: May 3-7

OSHA announced that it has scheduled the eighth annual National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction for May 3-7, 2021. OSHA encourages construction employers and other stakeholders to join the event to promote awareness and training to address one of the industry’s most serious dangers.

OSHA’s Fall Prevention Stand-Down webpage offers a wide range of compliance resources in many languages.
Joint AGC / COE Annual Meeting

A joint meeting with the Omaha District Corps of Engineers has been scheduled in Omaha, Nebraska on May 5 - 6, 2021.

Registration and information can be found here.
Save the Dates for Golf and Sporting Clays

Mark your calendars for these AGC summer events:

  • Golf Tournament: August 6
  • Sporting Clays Fundraiser: September 15

More information on both events can be found here.
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