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.
April 23rd
National
McConnell Says States Should Consider Bankruptcy, Rebuffing Calls for Aid-New York Times. Senator Mitch McConnell took a hard line on Wednesday against giving cash-short states more federal aid in future emergency pandemic relief legislation, saying that those suffering steep shortfalls amid the coronavirus crisis should instead consider bankruptcy.
House is poised to vote on a nearly $500 billion coronavirus relief bill. Here’s what’s in it-USA Today. The House is expected to give final approval Thursday to legislation that would pump $320 billion into the Paycheck Protection Program, which is designed to keep small businesses from shuttering and their workers from going on unemployment during the coronavirus pandemic. The Senate approved the bill Tuesday.
States
Florida
Gov. DeSantis Announces Upcoming Contract Phase 2 Of Everglades Restoration-CBS Miami. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday the upcoming contract advertisement for Tamiami Trail Next Steps Phase 2 Project for the restoration of the Everglades.
Hawaii
Pandemic Delays P3 Proposal Deadline for Honolulu Light-Rail Section-ENR. New July deadline set for competitors for system’s final section. Officials of the agency building the controversial, 20-mile-long light-rail project in Honolulu had planned to receive the final proposals for the unusual P3 April 22.
New York
MTA pushes forward with major projects despite pandemic restrictions-Crain’s NY Business. The MTA is moving forward with major projects, continuing to upgrade and keeping thousands of workers employed, during the pandemic.
Washington
Coronavirus has hit Washington’s transportation budget hard. Now state is asking for help-McLatchy. Washington’s transportation programs are facing losses of up to $100 million a month, a 38% shortfall that the state’s transportation secretary warns will affect construction and maintenance of highways, rail, traffic control and other projects.
Washington, D.C.
D.C. Hires Contractor To Convert Convention Center To Healthcare Facility-Bisnow. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration Monday announced it issued a design-build contract to Hensel Phelps Construction Co. to convert the Walter E. Washington Convention Center’s three halls into a facility to treat patients who do not require intensive care.
Industry
Contractors, Army Corps of Engineers transforming buildings into makeshift hospitals-Construction Dive. When coronavirus first emerged China quickly built modular hospitals to house those infected with COVID-19. Around the U.S., efforts to flatten the curve have pushed the federal government, often spearheaded by the Army Corps of Engineers, to construct hospitals in convention centers or other similar spaces.
How The CEO Of A Top 20 Construction Firm Is Handling Coronavirus-Bisnow. With job sites shutting down in some of the nation’s largest markets but forging ahead almost everywhere else, the coronavirus has tossed the construction industry into disarray. “Crisis management is a science. You put together your team, you designate spokespeople, you evaluate decisions constantly and keep improving.”
The Construction Industry’s Latest Challenge: Taking the Coronavirus Threat Seriously-Texas Monthly. Despite the limited number of employees at work sites, posted strict health protocols, mask-wearing and social distancing, “it’s clear that some people in this industry are still not taking the virus seriously.”
Thinking beyond traditional paradigms to finance modular construction-Construction Dive. Modular construction has been touted as a way for the construction industry to overcome the challenges of a dwindling skilled labor force. In addition, it can also produce high-quality building components efficiently and allows for an assembly-line approach to construction.
Contact our editors if you have COVID-19 news impacting the AEC industry to share.