June 2024

NEW YORK—How will the MTA plug the day-to-day operating funds to offset the loss of $15 billion in bond funding, which the agency had planned to issue against an expected $1 billion in annual revenue from the congestion toll?

MAMARONECK, NY—The Westchester Joint Water Works has recently entered into a consent decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Health that will allow it to proceed with the construction of an estimated $138-million Rye Lake water filtration plant.

The Greater Hudson Valley BSA Council visited the Operating Engineers Local 137 training center in Montrose, NY on Sat., June 15, to explore what it means to be part of the Building Trades. They found out the messaging and missions are similar: Just as Scouts work together to accomplish tasks and help each other out, members of a labor union do the same at their jobs. Bricklayers Local 1 instructor, right, Jeff Nicholson, and Leif Boro, pictured left, took turns helping merit badge seekers try their hands at masonry. Scouts learned there are 35 trade union locals that specialize in different jobs related to building and construction in the area.

HYDE PARK, NY—State officials last month unveiled the first 13 awards totaling $67 million under the Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund, a $150-million initiative geared to increasing the housing supply in New York’s Mid-Hudson region.

ALBANY—The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors recently approved more than $120 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State. The board’s approval authorizes municipal access to low-cost financing and previously announced grants to get shovels in the ground for critical water and sewer infrastructure projects, including treatment processes to remove emerging contaminants from drinking water.

This column has often written about issues that affect contractor/subcontractor relations because subcontracting is ubiquitous in the industry. One of the most important aspects of subcontracting is to ensure that all responsibilities and potential liabilities are properly flowed up or down so that an intermediate contractor is not left holding the proverbial bag.

ALBANY—New York named 21 transformational projects for the Mid-Hudson region as part of two economic development programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward.

The war in Ukraine has profoundly impacted the global economy, with ripple effects extending far beyond its borders. This conflict originally disrupted vital energy supplies, exacerbated inflationary pressures and reshaped geopolitical alliances, leading to economic fragmentation and volatility. In Ukraine, the invasion by Russia had caused a severe energy crisis in Europe, resulting in skyrocketing energy prices and a frantic search for alternative sources. At first, this upheaval drove up costs globally, but also forced countries to reexamine their energy dependencies and accelerate their transition to renewable energy sources.

Jorrey Excavation Inc, a certified women-owned business, provides timely excavation and milling/scarifying services for a variety of clients with public works projects.