News
Act now: Support career- and tech-education bill in Congress
The U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce approved the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, legislation which would reauthorize and reform the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.
Posted on 07/11/2016
FAA sets rules on drone use; AGC of America plans education for contractors
On June 21, 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) finalized a new and comprehensive set of rules for the commercial use of small drones in all industries, including construction.
Posted on 07/08/2016
Minimum wage, paid sick leave initiative gets on the ballot
AGC joined several business groups to voice its concern that, although raising the minimum wage and requiring paid sick leave through Initiative 1433 sounds good, the unintended consequences could be harmful, particularly for first-time job seekers.
Posted on 07/08/2016
Employers note: New overtime rule takes effect Dec. 1
On May 18, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the new federal overtime rule under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Posted on 07/08/2016
Four-year process leads to draft EIS for Millennium project
More than four years after the permitting process began, Washington State DOE and Cowlitz County released the draft EIS for the Millennium Bulk Terminals-Longview project that would create a global export hub.
Posted on 06/21/2016
DOE sending construction-stormwater permit invoices
The Department of Ecology is preparing to mail out construction stormwater permit invoices for fiscal year 2017.
Posted on 06/21/2016
Eyman’s new tack to cut transportation funding
Tim Eyman has filed a whopping 126 initiatives this year, many of which would gut transportation funding.
Posted on 06/06/2016
Gov. Inslee announces new carbon-reduction plan
Gov. Jay Inslee recently announced his revised carbon reduction rule. Ash Grove Cement and Nucor Steel are among the businesses impacted by the rule.
Posted on 06/06/2016
Provide input on updates to Building Code Council rules and bylaws
The State Building Code Council will be seeking public input as it updates its state rules as well as its bylaws.
Posted on 06/06/2016
AGC’s Dave Kearby challenges for 15th District House seat
AGC’s own Dave Kearby is running for the State Legislature! Kearby announced his candidacy for State Representative from the 15th District last week.
Posted on 05/23/2016
OSHA’s new silica rule imposes new regulations on many contractors
On March 25, 2016, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published its final rule on occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (the “Silica Rule”).
Posted on 05/23/2016
Initiatives could bring mandatory sick leave to construction
There may be two initiatives on the November ballot to raise the minimum wage; both of them go beyond the minimum wage and require paid sick leave.
Posted on 05/10/2016
Got an opinion on the federal change-order process?
Got an opinion on the federal change-order process?
Posted on 04/25/2016
AGC supports Brightwater contractor in legal dispute with King County
AGC is supporting Brightwater tunnel contractors Vinci/Parsons RCI/Frontier Kemper JV (VPFK) in a legal dispute with King County. At issue is the long-standing principle that an “implied warranty” comes with an owner-issued plans and specifications, and how it allocates risk on Washington construction projects if following those plans and specifications does not produce the desired or intended result.
Posted on 04/11/2016
Interested in serving on CPARB’s Project Review Committee?
The Capital Projects Advisory Review Board (CPARB) is seeking letters of interest from individuals knowledgeable in the use of alternative public works contracting procedures to serve three-year terms on its Project Review Committee (PRC).
Posted on 04/11/2016
Learn more and comment on DOE’s draft changes to solid-waste handling standards
Draft language regarding changes to one of the state’s main solid waste handling rules is now under internal review and not available to share, but Ecology plans to have two public comment periods, at which time draft language will be open for review.
Posted on 04/11/2016
Expect much stiffer fines for certain safety violations next year
A new proposal by the OSHA would increase fines for safety violation fines by 82 percent. Washington State, which manages its own OSHA-approved state plan, will be required to follow suit in 2017.
Posted on 04/11/2016
Strengthening our legislative efforts
AGC of Washington has partnered with AGC of America to gauge the reach of our collective networks and enable us to effectively plan for future public-policy discussions.
Posted on 04/04/2016
Sound Transit unveils its $50 billion plan
Last week, Sound Transit released its draft Sound Transit 3 (ST3) plan, kicking off a public comment period that will likely conclude with the $50 billion plan on the November ballot in the Sound Transit counties.
Posted on 03/28/2016
DOL “Persuader” regulation is back
By Judd H. Lees, Sebris Busto James
Posted on 03/28/2016
Grand opening for WSDOT's new SR-520 floating bridge
AGC of Washington is a proud sponsor of WSDOT's grand-opening "Go Long" celebration for the new SR-520 floating bridge.
Posted on 03/28/2016
Legislative recap: A little more money for construction, no policy changes
Springtime in Olympia can mean only one thing: A special session in the Legislature!
Posted on 03/15/2016
Munro named one of CWD's 2016 Women of the Year
The Center for Women and Democracy's annual "kicking Up Our Heels" event was held on March 8 at the Governor's Mansion in Olympia.
Posted on 03/10/2016
L&I releases video on record-keeping and reporting
Do you know what to do if an employee is injured at your workplace in Washington State?
Posted on 03/09/2016
Free training on using DOE’s WQWebDMR portal
Facilities with an NPDES or State Waste Discharge permit are required to monitor discharge and submit reports