DBIA’s mission is to provide the best resources available to help inform and empower our industry. In these uncertain times, that mission is even more important. As our communities fight the Coronavirus, we are working to find the best information available to help design-build teams navigate the unknown. This daily newsletter will provide the latest COVID-19 news for the AEC community.
Design-builders deliver in times of crisis and we will again.
If you have COVID-19 news impacting the AEC industry from your organization, state or community please email us.
National
Governors headed for messy fight over coronavirus restrictions-The Hill. Governors are heading for a clash with their own citizens and local officials as they weigh how and when to reopen the country’s economy amid the coronavirus pandemic.
When will a second wave of the coronavirus hit, and what will it look like?-USA Today. Even before the first horrific phase of the COVID-19 pandemic has run its course, scientists are worried about the second wave of the disease. Until there’s a vaccine “it’s unfortunately not unlikely that we may see a second wave or even a third wave.”
States
California
California will ‘do the right thing’ when lifting stay-at-home orders, Newsom says-Los Angeles Times. Though the state is seeing the rate of new infections from the coronavirus declining, Gov. Newsom said rising death counts were a major concern. “For those who think we are out of the woods … I caution you on the basis” of the death toll, Newsom said.
Colorado
Coronavirus Ended Traffic, But It Could Also Delay These CDOT Construction Projects-Colorado Public Radio. The state Department of Transportation warns that Colorado’s coronavirus-ravaged economy and state budget could upend the agency’s plans to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on construction projects this year.
Maryland
Prison being revamped to house COVID-19 inmates-Herald Mail. A building on the Maryland state prison campus south of Hagerstown could be housing COVID-19 patients in about a month.
Pennsylvania
Philly tells nonessential construction firms: Stop building or we’ll shut you down-The Philadelphia Inquirer. In a letter sent Wednesday to Philadelphia’s registered contractors, Mayor Jim Kenney’s administration has a message for construction firms that continue to work on nonessential projects during the coronavirus pandemic: stop building, or pay the price.
Industry
Army Corps Set to Deliver 28 More COVID-19 Alternate Care Facilities-Engineering News-Record. Contractors working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are building 28 alternate care facilities for COVID-19 and other patients in convention centers, hotels and arenas. There are facilities underway or completed by either USACE or local authorities in 41 states around the country.
Construction tops industries in PPP stimulus loan funds, but still needs additional funding-Construction Dive. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program approved more loans from the construction industry than any other industry. Roughly 13% of all loaned funds went to small business contractors.
Construction employment declines in 20 states and D.C. in March, in line with industry survey showing growing job losses for the sector-Building Design+Construction. New monthly job loss data foreshadows more layoffs amid project cancellations and state cutbacks in road projects. The industry is calling for more small business relief and immediate aid for highway funding.
Contact our editors if you have COVID-19 news impacting the AEC industry to share.