$1.6 Trillion Needed For Nation’s Infrastructure

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) estimates that $1.6 trillion is needed over a five-year period to bring the nation’s infrastructure to a good condition. Establishing a long-term development and maintenance plan must become a national priority. But in the short term, small steps can be taken by the 110th Congress, as well as state legislatures and local communities, to improve our nation’s failing infrastructure.

 

Miami-Dade Crane Ordinance On-hold

In response to a lawsuit filed by a coalition of contractor associations, including the local chapters of Associated Builders and Contractors and Associated General Contractors, on May 22, 2008 United States District Court Judge Ursula Ungaro, entered a preliminary injunction enjoining the enforcement of significant portions of Miami-Dade County recently adopted Safety Crane Ordinance (Ordinance No. 08-34), because they are preempted by federal law.  Those portions not preempted under federal law, including provisions relating to crane siting and hurricane preparedness for cranes, were not enjoined and remain enforceable. Earlier in the year, the Florida legislature considered the enactment of a statewide crane regulation during the 2008 session, however, for the second year in a row it failed to enact a statewide regulation, leaving the industry at the mercy of local governments.

 

County to Accelerate Construction Projects

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez wants to accelerate the start of governmental construction projects worth close to $750 million.  The intent of his initiative is to provide a boost the lagging construction industry in South Florida, and preventing future lay-off of construction workers and perhaps curtailing the shutting down of some businesses.  Most of the projects, currently scheduled to begin the procurement process within the next six months, would be let within the next two months.

  

New EPA Requirements For Lead-Safe Practices

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.  To protect against this risk, on March 31, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices (79 pp, 847K) and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

 

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

According to industry leaders, BIM would be the standard for execution of construction projects in the future.  BIM is an integrated workflow built on coordinated, reliable information about a project from design through construction and into operations. By adopting BIM, architects, engineers, contractors and owners can easily create coordinated, digital design information and documentation; use that information to more accurately visualize, simulate, and analyze performance and cost; and reliably deliver the project faster, more economically and with reduced environmental impact.

 

Florida Building Code Update

The Florida Building Commission has established December 31, 2008 as the new date for the adoption of the 2007 Edition of the Florida Building Code.  Previously the Code was to be updated by October 31.  This represents the second update and third edition of the Code.  As a major component of the Code Update process the Commission effected code enhancements to the Florida Energy Code, as well as enhancements to the wind, water intrusion and hurricane protection provisions of the Florida Building Code.

 

 FRSA Elects New President

Keith Swope, CPRC of Tampa Roofing Company, Inc. in Tampa was installed as President of the Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRSA) during the organization’s 86th Annual Convention held at the Peabody Hotel in Orlando, FL.   Also taking office were President Elect – Dave Cumming (Camp Rigby Roofing and Sheet Metal, Cape Coral), Vice President – Alvin J. Singleton (Alvin J. Singleton, Inc., Sarasota), Secretary/Treasurer – Robert Mahoney (B&Z Custom Sheet Metal, Inc., Orlando ) and Immediate Past President – Billy Cone (Rooftech Roofing and Sheet Metal, Ft. Lauderdale).