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.
May 6th
National
U.S. Coronavirus Cases Surpass 1.2 Million-Wall Street Journal. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States passed 1.2 million this morning. At the same time, the Trump administration said it’s considering disbanding the White House coronavirus task force while some states and countries move ahead with reopening plans.
US infection rate rising outside New York as states open up-AP News. Outside of the New York metropolitan area’s progress against the coronavirus, the numbers show the rest of the U.S. is moving in the wrong direction. The known infection rate is on the rise, even as states move to lift their lockdown. Public health officials warn the failure to flatten the curve and drive down the infection rate could lead to many more deaths as people are allowed to venture out and businesses reopen.
How Cities Are Taking Advantage of the Coronavirus Shutdowns-The Atlantic. In many parts of the country, the elusive Infrastructure Week is here at last. Cities and states are taking advantage of reduced traffic to speed up construction projects. Crews usually relegated to overnight hours are working during the day. And instead of delays and cost overruns, they’re completing jobs ahead of schedule and, in many cases, under budget.
States
States Projecting Big Budget Cuts Due To COVID-19-AASHTO Journal. State governments continue to ratchet back current spending and projected budget outlays due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These reductions are starting to include planned transportation infrastructure investments.
Coronavirus Regulations: A State-By-State Week In Review-Law360. Governors have been emboldened by positive effects from COVID-19 social distancing and are advancing plans to reopen states this week. They promise to find a balance between physical and financial health while continuing to shield industries and their workforces from the global crisis.
Florida
Midtown Tampa continues construction amid pandemic, completions expected by Super Bowl-WFLA News Channel 8. While many businesses have closed due to the coronavirus, construction projects have continued throughout the city of Tampa. Despite an overhaul on procedures at construction sites, some are set to be complete by the Super Bowl in 2021.
New York
Here’s Cuomo’s Plan for Reopening New York-New York Times. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo presented a soft blueprint for how New York State’s economy might begin to restart. A set of criteria will determine which regions allow what sectors to reopen and when. New York City and its suburbs, still besieged by the virus, may be the last places to start returning to some semblance of normal.
Texas
Two-thirds of Texas construction firms have projects on hold-Houston Business Journal. According to a recent survey by San Antonio-based Virtual Builders Exchange, 66 percent of respondents said they had at least one project that’s been put on hold due to Covid-19. Many companies remain concerned about the impact of Covid-19 on their business, including potential supply chain delays.
Industry
Modular Monitor: Offsite offers unique answers to healthcare systems in a crisis, Part 2-Construction Dive. When the outbreak gripped the U.S., there were high hopes by modular leaders pledging to help end the war. But as the number of confirmed cases in the U.S. is still climbing, and all types of medical facilities in place, of which many are not modular-based, we have a snapshot of the niche’s successes and shortcomings and a revised look at the future.
WSP USA engineers are mobilizing experts across the country-WSP. From coordinating logistics at emergency operations centers, managing equipment distribution and disinfecting critical facilities, to rapid-response hospital reconfiguration and development of temporary, modular healthcare facilities, WSP is proud to be helping communities respond.
Virtual training looks to fill high demand for essential construction workers-KELO-TV. COVID-19 is making it tough for people to find jobs, but you don’t have to dig too deep to find a career. AGC of South Dakota and the South Dakota DOT are looking to get people involved in construction. Starting Monday, Virtual Training Sessions will begin for anyone who’s interested in a position.
Contact our editors if you have COVID-19 news impacting the AEC industry to share.