February 2025

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget is now getting the fine-tooth comb analysis from New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. On Feb. 14, he identified the risks and concerns of her budget, noting ways to improve the state’s structural imbalance that may be needed to bolster the state’s rainy-day fund.

Here’s a new oxymoron worth jotting down. Certain Uncertainty. In the case of looming tariffs ahead—this could occur as early as March.

TARRYTOWN, NY– Despite economic and political uncertainties of the past two months caused by pronouncements and actions in Washington, regional construction officials are steadfast in their forecasts that once milder weather arrives in the coming weeks, crews will take up significant project work in all sectors: highway, bridge, energy, school and private construction projects.

ALBANY—It took more than four years of urging from a committed and well-prepared triumvirate of construction executives, organized labor and regional elected officials to finally address the multi-year shortfall in New York State’s capital transportation budget that has been caused erosion of purchasing power from inflation and advancing deterioration.

NEW YORK—The MTA Capital Plan for 2025-2029 will generate $106 billion in economic activity and more than 70,000 jobs statewide according to a new analysis conducted by EY, and commissioned by the Partnership for New York City.

NEW YORK—Roads and bridges that are deteriorated, congested or lack some desirable safety features cost New York motorists a total of $38 billion statewide annually—$3,492 per driver in the New York-Newark-Jersey City urban area—due to higher vehicle operating costs, traffic crashes and congestion-related delays.

NEW YORK—The congestion zone pricing program is gaining supporters as it removes vehicles, improves travel time and creates new capacity on city roads. Initial signs of success were seen within the first two weeks after the program was switched on. An immediate decrease in traffic volume—up to 43,000 fewer vehicles—was recorded in Manhattan’s central business district.

NEW YORK – Following the initial court victory for New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 22 attorneys general—who successfully halted implementation of a Trump administration policy that would have blocked many federal agency grants, loans and other financial assistance programs—a new court ruling handed the president his second setback.

There are many ways to manage the contractual risks associated with a construction project. One of these ways is to include a contractual provision shortening the limitations period within which a lawsuit can be started (which is usually six years). In discussing these shortened limitations periods, courts have routinely held that they cannot have run before the claim accrued, and they must be reasonable.