February 2024

TARRYTOWN—Union building-trades officials in the Lower Hudson Valley express confidence that despite the economic headwinds and challenges of last year, several of the main economic engines that power the construction industry should be significantly fueled this year.

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY—The New York State Department of Transportation recently released its anticipated project list for the 2024 letting season for the seven counties in the lower and Mid-Hudson Valley.

NEW YORK—Roads and bridges that are deteriorated, congested or lack some desirable safety features cost New York motorists a total of $36.7 billion statewide annually—$ 3,697 per driver in the New York-Newark-Jersey City urban area—due to higher vehicle operating costs, traffic crashes and congestion-related delays.

ELMSFORD, NY—A major coalition led by the Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley and construction trade unions is demanding that state lawmakers allocate more funds for the repair and maintenance of the Hudson Valley’s crumbling and pothole-filled state roadways.

When first deciding to undertake a construction project, be it public or private work, contractors often start by reviewing the drawings—the graphic representation of what is to be built. But to cite the old adage, a picture is worth a thousand words, a court in the case of Maric Mechanical, Inc. v New York City Housing Authority reminds us that where that picture itself is accompanied by words—in this case, a disclaimer— those words can destroy a thousand pictures.

ALBANY—The New York State Dormitory Authority has reported on its website that an apparent low bidder has been named for the first project in what could be a $300-million to $450-million redevelopment of the Mid- Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center in New Hampton, NY in Orange County.

Low bid news from around the state.

The decision in Secretary of Labor v. Tower King, II, Inc. should serve as a reminder to the construction industry, and companies specifically involved in work on telecommunications towers, that rigging plans must be coordinated between the contactor and qualified engineers. Also, if there is a change to that plan it must be updated, accordingly.

HYDE PARK, NY—The annual CIC/NYSDOT Region 8 Safety Seminar held at the Culinary Institute of America here on Tues., Jan. 30, drew a record attendance of more than 150 contractors, union officials, and safety experts for the daylong program. The topics covered over the years include silica awareness, excavation safety, confined space hazards, FMCSA regulation and drug testing advancement as well as temporary traffic controls.

In an effort to increase efficiency and reduce complexity in the construction process, the recently appointed Associate Commissioner of Alternative Delivery for New York City’s Department of Design and Construction, Alison Landry, has committed to exploring alternatives to the traditional processes for design-bid-build projects for the City.