
FY 2024 Budget Negotiations – Carrot or Stick: What Will Work to Fix Our Housing Crisis
ALBANY—As negotiations slog on here to adopt a new state budget, the governor and leaders in the Legislature are in lockstep agreement that the state

Moving Our Region Forward
Route 17 Expansion Will Improve Mobility, Enhance Safety and Boost Our Economy in the Hudson Valley

Regional Building Trades Expect Very Busy 2023
TARRYTOWN—Building trades officials in the lower Hudson Valley agree that despite high material prices, inflation and naysayer predictions of a recession ahead, heavy/highway construction and

Executive Budget Plan to Invest Billions In Clean Water, Climate Change, Housing
ALBANY—New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $227-billion Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget is now being debated in the halls of the State Legislature here and at

State-of-the-Union Address: President Biden Offers Promising Blueprint for Blue Collar America
WASHINGTON—Highways and bridges served as trusted agents of leadership at last night’s State of the Union address, when President Joe Biden doubled down on the

Perspective – Proposed NYS Executive Budget Falls Short On Transportation Funding for Mid-Hudson
TARRYTOWN, NY—In the face of having the worst road and bridge conditions in New York State, why do the counties in the Lower and Mid-Hudson

Safety Watch – Tragedy Underscores Sub’s Role To Keep Jobsite Workers Safe
The Occupation Safety and Health Review Commission’s recent decision in Secretary of Labor v. A Crane Rental LLC shows that subcontractors on a construction jobsite

NYC Update – Halmar Awarded $382M Design-Build Contract For Metro-North Park Avenue Viaduct Project
NEW YORK—The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced on Dec. 21 that the MTA Construction & Development (C&D) will award a $382-million Design-Build contract to begin reconstruction

Financial Management – Keys for Contractors to Navigate The New Lease Accounting Standard
In 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) finalized the new lease accounting standard (ASC 842) for private companies. After many years of pushback and

$229-Million Amazon Warehouse in Slate Hill Seeks Incentives from Orange County IDA
SLATE HILL, NY—Scannell Properties of Indianapolis, IN and Seattle, WA-based Amazon have filed a joint application with the Orange County Industrial Development Agency for tax

Mid-Hudson Health Care Institutions Nab $83 Million for Capital Projects, Debt Aid
ALBANY—New York State will be providing a total of $658 million to support 127 projects that will protect and transform New York State’s health care

New CIC Board of Director Members
Meet new CIC board members Kristina Benza, Samuel R. Etre, Jeffrey Manganello, Giulio Monaco, Jr., and Mark Servidone.

Washington Update – Gateway Project Secures $292M Federal Grant
WASHINGTON—On Jan. 31, President Biden and Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg announced that the Biden-Harris Administration had awarded nearly $1.2 billion from the new National Infrastructure

Report: Total Construction Starts Slip in January
HAMILTON, NJ—Total construction starts fell 27% in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $865.6 billion, according to a report released on Feb. 22

What’s New & Who’s News
A roundup of what’s new and who’s in the news both locally and in the state.

Albany Update – First NYS Drinking Water Project Funded By Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
ALBANY—New York State officials announced on Feb. 9, $40.3 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects, including the first drinking water project in

Mid-Hudson Region Scores Big with State Funds For Downtown Revitalization, Infrastructure Projects
WHITE PLAINS—New York Gov. Kathy Hochul traveled from Albany to the Pace University Elisabeth Haub School of Law here to announce yesterday a host of

Lawmakers Hearing Budget Testimony in Albany – Thruway Questioned over Proposed Toll Hikes
ALBANY—With budget hearing season underway following Gov. Hockul’ proposed 2024 spending plan announced Feb. 1, lawmakers seized the opportunity to question interim executive director Frank

Attorney’s Column – Court Decision Teaches Harvard College a Lesson In Need to Comply with Insurance Notice Provisions
A crucial part of any construction business is a solid insurance policy. In today’s highly litigious society, it’s not a matter of if an injured

Construction Industry Council letter of support for Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed executive budget.
The Construction Industry Council supports Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed executive budget. Read CIC Executive Director, John T. Cooney Jr’s letter of support.

Storm Alert: How to Protect Your Business’ Finances
Severe weather and fire events are occurring with greater frequency than ever before. Here are just a few samplers:
A bomb cyclone hits, leaving snowfall

Economic Outlook – NYC Economy’s Uneven as Full Recovery Remains Elusive
NEW YORK—In its annual review of the New York City’s economy and finances, the city’s Office of Management and Budget found that the city’s economic

Rep. Mike Lawler Teams with NJ’s Gottheimer To Fight MTA’s Congestion Pricing Plan for NYC
FORT LEE, NJ —U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and newly elected Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) announced last Thursday the introduction of new bipartisan legislation—the Anti-Congestion

Westchester County Unveils Draft Plan For New Hangar, FBO Terminal Space
WHITE PLAINS—Earlier this month, Westchester County announced the availability for review of and comment on a Draft Environmental Assessment for the Million Air Redevelopment/Development project

Congressman Lawler Introduces Legislation To Eliminate SALT Cap Marriage Penalty
CLARKSTOWN, NY— New legislation with bipartisan support in the Congress was introduced on Jan. 23 that would eliminate the SALT Cap marriage penalty. At a

Gov’s Ambitious Housing Plan Pledges New Funding for Roads, Schools, Sewers
ALBANY—Presenting her first State-of-the-State address as the duly elected governor—after traveling a bumpy road that included an historic resignation of a former governor and her

Contest to Build Mega Downstate Metro Area Casinos Heating Up
ALBANY—The prospect of downstate casinos in the New York metro area just got serious, and those who seek these lucrative full-gaming licenses will have to

El Sol-DeFoe JV Wins Third, Final Phase Of Bronx Hunts Point Improvement Project
NEW YORK—State officials announced on Dec. 30 that a $446-million contract has been awarded to the El Sol-Defoe JV for the third and final phase

NY Building Congress 2023 Policy Priorities Stress Affordable Housing, Infrastructure, Mass Transit
NEW YORK—The New York Building Congress released its 2023 Policy Agenda on Jan. 9, calling on the city, state and federal government to prioritize infrastructure

Albany Update – NY State Announces $143M Investment In Critical Water Infrastructure Projects
ALBANY—New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Jan. 13 a total of $143 million in financial assistance for seven water infrastructure improvement projects, the latest

Attorney’s Column – Court Upholds Assertion of Attorney/Client Privilege, But Cautions About the Dangers of Blind-Copy Emails
In the world of today’s lightning-speed communications, it is easy to fire off an intemperate slapshot response to an email without thinking about the ramifications.

$32M Newburgh Sewer Tunneling Project is First To Secure Funds from Fed. Infrastructure Law in NYS
NEWBURGH—The City of Newburgh announced on Jan. 12, in partnership with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and United States Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, the

$38-Millon Bridge Replacement Project On Saw Mill River Parkway Completed
ALBANY—New York State officials announced on Jan. 11 that major construction has been completed on two new bridges that carry the Saw Mill River Parkway

Newly Opened VGM Gaming Facility Gives New Hope to Newburgh Mall
NEWBURGH, NY—The opening of the Resorts World Hudson Valley video gaming machine (VGM) facility at the beleaguered Newburgh Mall in Orange County on Dec. 28

Making a Career of it
Hector Agustin – Carpenter Foreman
Celebrating Tenth Anniversary as a member of the International Brotherhood of Carpenters Union Local 279.

Safety Watch – New Carlos’ Law Drastically Hikes Penalties For Serious Construction Work-Place Accidents
Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation known as Carlos’ Law, which amends New York’s Penal Law and increases the penalties for criminal corporate liability for

Mount Vernon Closes Two Bridges Due to Longtime Structural Issues
MOUNT VERNON, NY—The City of Mount Vernon closed two overpasses earlier this month for structural integrity concerns cited by NYS DOT. Speaking at a virtual

Financial Management – IRS Adjusts Accounting-Change Procedures for R&D
The IRS has provided an automatic consent procedure to comply with the method of accounting changes in connection with the new requirement to amortize certain

Washington Update – US Dept. of Labor Raises OSHA Penalties for 2023
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor announced on Jan. 12 changes to Occupational Safety and Health Administration civil penalty amounts based on cost-of-living adjustments

What’s New & Who’s News
A roundup of what’s new and who’s in the news both locally and in the state.

Obituary – Dolph Rotfeld
Veteran Civil Engineer Dolph Rotfeld, considered by many a dean in the engineering community, who worked on many of the region’s major construction and infrastructure

NYC Update – MTA to Receive $254M In Federal Money for Accessibility Projects
NEW YORK—The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced earlier this month it earned a $254-million federal grant as part of the Federal Transit Administration’s new All Stations

County Advances $7.3M Project to Repair Pumping Station Damaged by Hurricane Ida
WHITE PLAINS—Westchester County Executive George Latimer announced on Jan. 4 that the county will move forward with a $7.3-million upgrade to the Weaver Street Pumping

Federal Transit Administration Awards Six Grants In Region to Improve Accessibility on Rail Systems
WASHINGTON—The FTA on Monday announced it will award six grants in the region to improve accessibility for people with disabilities at rail transit systems, especially

Thruway Toll Plan to Help Fund $1.9B for Multi-Year Capital Work
ALBANY—The New York State Thruway Authority Board of Directors approved the start of a process to increase tolls to help finance its ambitious and necessary

Construction Begins on $3.2B Penn Station Access Project
NEW YORK—Touted as the largest expansion of Metro North train service in its history—construction on the $3.18-billion Penn Station Access project has begun that will

Work Begins on $6B Champlain Hudson Power Express Transmission Line Job
ALBANY—In the past few weeks work has begun on two major green energy projects, including the $6-billion Champlain
Hudson Power Express 339-mile transmission line project

Harrison Nabs $2.6M State Innovation Grant For Flooding Restoration Project Improvements
HARRISON, NY—Anja Porto recalls the terror of the rising flood waters that she and her husband Robert lived through during Hurricane Ida last September.

Attorney’s Column – Court Reminder: Existence of ‘Lien Fund’ Is Necessary to Support Valid Lien
This column has often advised that a mechanic’s lien is a powerful tool to help unpaid contractors get paid. Private liens have the benefits of

State, NYC, Westchester County To Prioritize Housing Funding
TARRYTOWN—State and local politicians agree that New York State and many localities throughout the Empire State are facing a housing crisis, specifically the lack of

Matthew Driscoll to Step Down As Thruway Authority Exec. Director
ALBANY—Matthew Driscoll, executive director of the New York State Thruway Authority, and who held the top post for the past five years, announced at the

Guest Viewpoint – Insurance Cost Outlook for 2023
A recent meeting of building contractors and advisors of the Building Contractors Association in mid-December examined the major challenges in the insurance market today as

Safety Watch – Lawsuit Targets Training in Use of Heavy Equipment, Known Hazards
As has been previously shown in this safety series, Labor v. Sentinel Systems, LLC emphasizes the need for construction companies to provide proper instruction and

County Approves Budget that Includes Historic Affordable Housing Plan
WHITE PLAINS, NY—Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed on Dec. 12 a budget for next year that includes a record investment to build workforce housing.

Financial Management – Hiring Challenges Can Be Helped by a Targeted Approach; Review the Eligibility of Valuable WOTC Tax Credits
Like many construction companies, your firm may have been trying for some time to fill open positions. If this is the case, be aware of

NYC Update – Mayor Adams: We Are Going To Build Everywhere
The Adams administration is advancing two major neighborhood planning efforts. The first is aimed at leveraging four brand-new Metro-North train stations set to open in

Economic Outlook – Russia-Ukraine War: Economic Effects
A report from the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank assesses the impact from the Russia-Ukraine war as less sizeable than those of the 1970s’ oil shocks

MTA Warns of Higher Fares, Deferred Capital Projects
NEW YORK—The Metropolitan Transportation Authority released its 2023 budget on Nov. 30 and issued warnings of possible staff reductions, deferred or cancelled capital projects and

Voters Overwhelmingly Approve $4.2B Environmental Bond Act
TARRYTOWN—New York State voters marked their ballots on Election Day overwhelmingly in favor of the $4.2 billion in bond financing to fund sorely-needed clean water,

Building at Long-Shuttered Hospital Site Scheduled to Start in 2023
PORT CHESTER, NY—It appears that plans to redevelop the long-shuttered United Hospital property off Route 1 in Port Chester can finally proceed to construction in

New $300 Million in State Grant Awards To Target Water Infrastructure Projects
ALBANY—New York State earlier this month announced nearly $300 million is being awarded to communities through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Grant, Intermunicipal Grant, Green Innovation

Voters Weigh In On Transportation
TARRYTOWN, NY—During the Nov. 8 election, voters in states across the country had their say on various transportation-related initiatives with billions of dollars at stake.

Attorney’s Column – Court Permits Arbitration to Proceed Against Both Owner and Owner’s Disclosed Agent
This column has often counseled that “if it’s not in writing, it didn’t happen.” While that is very simplified advice, the core lesson we seek

Nearly $61 Million in Bridge Projects Completed in Hudson Valley Region
ALBANY—The New York State Department of Transportation announced on Nov. 21 the completion of $60.5 million in bridge upgrade projects to enhance safety and resiliency

Photo Gallery – DOT Bundles Bridge Projects In Westchester
Major construction is complete on a project that replaced the bridge carrying East Lincoln Avenue over the Hutchinson River Parkway and Hutchinson River. The $48-million

New Queens Soccer Stadium, Mixed With Housing Could be a Winning Plan
NEW YORK—New York City Mayor Eric Adams unveiled his administration’s vision for the next phase of the transformation of the Willets Point community in Queens

Obituary – Francesco Montesano
Francesco Montesano of Harrison, NY, the founder of Montesano Brothers, Inc., of New Rochelle, NY and father of CIC Board Member Dominick Montesano, passed away

Safety Watch – Ignoring Trench Safety Rules Lands Contractor Two OSHA Violations
Construction companies must not only ensure they have a proper safety program in place, but that it is also adequately communicated and enforced by documented

Financial Management – Bright Spots that Contractors Can Set Their Sights On
COVID presented its own problems impacting labor and supply chain issues, and now to say the least we are facing another round of unprecedented and

$100-Million Movie Studio Project Proposed for Hudson River Village
HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, NY—The burgeoning movie and television production industry in the Hudson Valley could be getting larger as a major “green” television-movie studio project in this

NYC Update – NY Building Congress Releases Ambitious Resiliency Agenda
NEW YORK—Following the 10-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy decimating New York infrastructure on an unimaginable scale, the New York Building Congress released a policy agenda

Galleria at White Plains Redevelopment Taking Shape with New Partners
WHITE PLAINS—The long-promised redevelopment plan for The Galleria at White Plains, which was the focal point of the urban renewal of the downtown district in

What’s New & Who’s News
A roundup of what’s new and who’s in the news both locally and in the state.

Thruway Authority’s Driscoll Unveils $1.7B Capital Plan
TARRYTOWN, NY – Representatives of the Hudson Valley region’s building and construction contracting community and union trades recently received a lengthy presentation from New York

Biden Touts $120B Spend In NY Spurred Federal CHIPS Act
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Two major companies’ combined promised $120 billion in investments in New York State prompted President Joe Biden to visit the Hudson Valley

$95 Million Newburgh-Beacon Bridge Project To Replace Deck
NEWBURGH – The New York State Bridge Authority announced on Sept. 30 the construction work that affected travelers crossing the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge finished early

Yes to the Environmental Bond Act on Nov. 8
For the life of all New Yorkers, we must approve the $4.2 billion in bonds to fund projects to improve water infrastructure, mitigate climate-change and

Westchester’s Exec. Latimer Unveils $662.5M Capital Budget Plan for ‘23
WHITE PLAINS, NY – Westchester County Executive George Latimer released on Oct. 13 a $662.5-million proposed Capital Budget, which includes $448.8 million for general county

Attorney’s Column – Court Permits Arbitration to Proceed Against Both Owner and Owner’s Disclosed Agent
On a construction project, the term “general contractor” is often thrown around rather loosely to refer to the one contractor at the top of the

$138M Joint Water Works Project Advances
HARRISON NY – A project to build a new $138-million drinking water filtration plant on Westchester County-owned land at Westchester County Airport here has cleared

Route 17 Project’s Environmental Review To Proceed, Funding Committed: Gov.
ALBANY – For those who were wondering if construction on a third lane on Route 17 in Orange and Sullivan counties would come—sooner or later—the answer

Photo Gallery – Continuing Ed Seminar for PEs Earning 6 PDH (HSW) Credits
TARRYTOWN, NY— Some 30 Professional Engineers attended the Construction Advancement Institute of Westchester & Mid-Hudson’s annual continuing education seminar on Oct. 19 at the Tappan

Lawsuit Prompts Town to Spend $36 Million on Sewer Repairs
HARRISON, NY—The Save the Sound environmental advocacy group and the Town/Village of Harrison have reached a collaborative agreement that would resolve Save the Sound’s Clean

NYC Construction Spending at All-Time High of $86B in 2022
NEW YORK—New York City construction spending will reach $86 billion in 2022, up $38 billion from last year and marking an all-time high, according to

Safety Watch – Operating Powered Industrial Trucks? Units Vary, Requiring Ongoing Training
Secretary of Labor v. Huen Electric, Inc. demonstrates the need for construction workers to be properly trained and competent when operating a powered industrial truck

Financial Management – Impact of Inflation on the Construction Industry – How Did We Get Here?
Inflation can generally be defined as the increase in prices for goods and services within an economy. When prices rise, it’s also true that the

NYC Update – New York City, State to Partner on $1.6B Science and Research Park in Kips Bay
NEW YORK—A $1.6-billion public-private partnership with The City University of New York to build a new science and research park at Hunter College’s Brookdale Campus

Economic Outlook – Taming Inflation Will Take Longer Than Expected
A recent report by the Brookings Organization, a Washington, D.C. think tank, indicated that the Federal Reserve likely would need to push unemployment far higher

What’s New & Who’s News
A roundup of what’s new and who’s in the news both locally and in the state.

Hundreds of Millions Go Unspent For Capital Work
YORKTOWN, NY – Hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal funds for infrastructure are going unspent as the condition of Hudson Valley roads,

Mount Vernon, Westchester County Celebrate Opening of Fully Renovated Memorial Field
MOUNT VERNON, NY – At a recent ceremony to mark the end of a long-delayed effort to rehabilitate the storied Memorial Field, speakers recalled its

CIC, Teamsters Launch ‘Hands-on’ Training Program Thanks to New ‘Hold-Harmless’ Insurance for Employers
TARRYTOWN, NY – New “hold-harmless” insurance protection coverage for CIC employers is accelerating the pathway for young drivers to acquire the skills they need to
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FY 2024 Budget Negotiations – Carrot or Stick: What Will Work to Fix Our Housing Crisis
ALBANY—As negotiations slog on here to adopt a new state budget, the governor and leaders in the Legislature are in lockstep agreement that the state

Moving Our Region Forward
Route 17 Expansion Will Improve Mobility, Enhance Safety and Boost Our Economy in the Hudson Valley

Regional Building Trades Expect Very Busy 2023
TARRYTOWN—Building trades officials in the lower Hudson Valley agree that despite high material prices, inflation and naysayer predictions of a recession ahead, heavy/highway construction and

Executive Budget Plan to Invest Billions In Clean Water, Climate Change, Housing
ALBANY—New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $227-billion Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget is now being debated in the halls of the State Legislature here and at

State-of-the-Union Address: President Biden Offers Promising Blueprint for Blue Collar America
WASHINGTON—Highways and bridges served as trusted agents of leadership at last night’s State of the Union address, when President Joe Biden doubled down on the

Perspective – Proposed NYS Executive Budget Falls Short On Transportation Funding for Mid-Hudson
TARRYTOWN, NY—In the face of having the worst road and bridge conditions in New York State, why do the counties in the Lower and Mid-Hudson

Safety Watch – Tragedy Underscores Sub’s Role To Keep Jobsite Workers Safe
The Occupation Safety and Health Review Commission’s recent decision in Secretary of Labor v. A Crane Rental LLC shows that subcontractors on a construction jobsite

NYC Update – Halmar Awarded $382M Design-Build Contract For Metro-North Park Avenue Viaduct Project
NEW YORK—The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced on Dec. 21 that the MTA Construction & Development (C&D) will award a $382-million Design-Build contract to begin reconstruction

Financial Management – Keys for Contractors to Navigate The New Lease Accounting Standard
In 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) finalized the new lease accounting standard (ASC 842) for private companies. After many years of pushback and

$229-Million Amazon Warehouse in Slate Hill Seeks Incentives from Orange County IDA
SLATE HILL, NY—Scannell Properties of Indianapolis, IN and Seattle, WA-based Amazon have filed a joint application with the Orange County Industrial Development Agency for tax

Mid-Hudson Health Care Institutions Nab $83 Million for Capital Projects, Debt Aid
ALBANY—New York State will be providing a total of $658 million to support 127 projects that will protect and transform New York State’s health care

New CIC Board of Director Members
Meet new CIC board members Kristina Benza, Samuel R. Etre, Jeffrey Manganello, Giulio Monaco, Jr., and Mark Servidone.

Washington Update – Gateway Project Secures $292M Federal Grant
WASHINGTON—On Jan. 31, President Biden and Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg announced that the Biden-Harris Administration had awarded nearly $1.2 billion from the new National Infrastructure

Report: Total Construction Starts Slip in January
HAMILTON, NJ—Total construction starts fell 27% in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $865.6 billion, according to a report released on Feb. 22

What’s New & Who’s News
A roundup of what’s new and who’s in the news both locally and in the state.

Albany Update – First NYS Drinking Water Project Funded By Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
ALBANY—New York State officials announced on Feb. 9, $40.3 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects, including the first drinking water project in

Mid-Hudson Region Scores Big with State Funds For Downtown Revitalization, Infrastructure Projects
WHITE PLAINS—New York Gov. Kathy Hochul traveled from Albany to the Pace University Elisabeth Haub School of Law here to announce yesterday a host of

Lawmakers Hearing Budget Testimony in Albany – Thruway Questioned over Proposed Toll Hikes
ALBANY—With budget hearing season underway following Gov. Hockul’ proposed 2024 spending plan announced Feb. 1, lawmakers seized the opportunity to question interim executive director Frank

Attorney’s Column – Court Decision Teaches Harvard College a Lesson In Need to Comply with Insurance Notice Provisions
A crucial part of any construction business is a solid insurance policy. In today’s highly litigious society, it’s not a matter of if an injured

Construction Industry Council letter of support for Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed executive budget.
The Construction Industry Council supports Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed executive budget. Read CIC Executive Director, John T. Cooney Jr’s letter of support.

Storm Alert: How to Protect Your Business’ Finances
Severe weather and fire events are occurring with greater frequency than ever before. Here are just a few samplers:
A bomb cyclone hits, leaving snowfall

Economic Outlook – NYC Economy’s Uneven as Full Recovery Remains Elusive
NEW YORK—In its annual review of the New York City’s economy and finances, the city’s Office of Management and Budget found that the city’s economic

Rep. Mike Lawler Teams with NJ’s Gottheimer To Fight MTA’s Congestion Pricing Plan for NYC
FORT LEE, NJ —U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and newly elected Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) announced last Thursday the introduction of new bipartisan legislation—the Anti-Congestion

Westchester County Unveils Draft Plan For New Hangar, FBO Terminal Space
WHITE PLAINS—Earlier this month, Westchester County announced the availability for review of and comment on a Draft Environmental Assessment for the Million Air Redevelopment/Development project

Congressman Lawler Introduces Legislation To Eliminate SALT Cap Marriage Penalty
CLARKSTOWN, NY— New legislation with bipartisan support in the Congress was introduced on Jan. 23 that would eliminate the SALT Cap marriage penalty. At a

Gov’s Ambitious Housing Plan Pledges New Funding for Roads, Schools, Sewers
ALBANY—Presenting her first State-of-the-State address as the duly elected governor—after traveling a bumpy road that included an historic resignation of a former governor and her

Contest to Build Mega Downstate Metro Area Casinos Heating Up
ALBANY—The prospect of downstate casinos in the New York metro area just got serious, and those who seek these lucrative full-gaming licenses will have to

El Sol-DeFoe JV Wins Third, Final Phase Of Bronx Hunts Point Improvement Project
NEW YORK—State officials announced on Dec. 30 that a $446-million contract has been awarded to the El Sol-Defoe JV for the third and final phase

NY Building Congress 2023 Policy Priorities Stress Affordable Housing, Infrastructure, Mass Transit
NEW YORK—The New York Building Congress released its 2023 Policy Agenda on Jan. 9, calling on the city, state and federal government to prioritize infrastructure

Albany Update – NY State Announces $143M Investment In Critical Water Infrastructure Projects
ALBANY—New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Jan. 13 a total of $143 million in financial assistance for seven water infrastructure improvement projects, the latest

Attorney’s Column – Court Upholds Assertion of Attorney/Client Privilege, But Cautions About the Dangers of Blind-Copy Emails
In the world of today’s lightning-speed communications, it is easy to fire off an intemperate slapshot response to an email without thinking about the ramifications.

$32M Newburgh Sewer Tunneling Project is First To Secure Funds from Fed. Infrastructure Law in NYS
NEWBURGH—The City of Newburgh announced on Jan. 12, in partnership with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and United States Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, the

$38-Millon Bridge Replacement Project On Saw Mill River Parkway Completed
ALBANY—New York State officials announced on Jan. 11 that major construction has been completed on two new bridges that carry the Saw Mill River Parkway

Newly Opened VGM Gaming Facility Gives New Hope to Newburgh Mall
NEWBURGH, NY—The opening of the Resorts World Hudson Valley video gaming machine (VGM) facility at the beleaguered Newburgh Mall in Orange County on Dec. 28

Making a Career of it
Hector Agustin – Carpenter Foreman
Celebrating Tenth Anniversary as a member of the International Brotherhood of Carpenters Union Local 279.

Safety Watch – New Carlos’ Law Drastically Hikes Penalties For Serious Construction Work-Place Accidents
Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation known as Carlos’ Law, which amends New York’s Penal Law and increases the penalties for criminal corporate liability for

Mount Vernon Closes Two Bridges Due to Longtime Structural Issues
MOUNT VERNON, NY—The City of Mount Vernon closed two overpasses earlier this month for structural integrity concerns cited by NYS DOT. Speaking at a virtual

Financial Management – IRS Adjusts Accounting-Change Procedures for R&D
The IRS has provided an automatic consent procedure to comply with the method of accounting changes in connection with the new requirement to amortize certain

Washington Update – US Dept. of Labor Raises OSHA Penalties for 2023
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor announced on Jan. 12 changes to Occupational Safety and Health Administration civil penalty amounts based on cost-of-living adjustments

What’s New & Who’s News
A roundup of what’s new and who’s in the news both locally and in the state.

Obituary – Dolph Rotfeld
Veteran Civil Engineer Dolph Rotfeld, considered by many a dean in the engineering community, who worked on many of the region’s major construction and infrastructure

NYC Update – MTA to Receive $254M In Federal Money for Accessibility Projects
NEW YORK—The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced earlier this month it earned a $254-million federal grant as part of the Federal Transit Administration’s new All Stations

County Advances $7.3M Project to Repair Pumping Station Damaged by Hurricane Ida
WHITE PLAINS—Westchester County Executive George Latimer announced on Jan. 4 that the county will move forward with a $7.3-million upgrade to the Weaver Street Pumping

Federal Transit Administration Awards Six Grants In Region to Improve Accessibility on Rail Systems
WASHINGTON—The FTA on Monday announced it will award six grants in the region to improve accessibility for people with disabilities at rail transit systems, especially

Thruway Toll Plan to Help Fund $1.9B for Multi-Year Capital Work
ALBANY—The New York State Thruway Authority Board of Directors approved the start of a process to increase tolls to help finance its ambitious and necessary

Construction Begins on $3.2B Penn Station Access Project
NEW YORK—Touted as the largest expansion of Metro North train service in its history—construction on the $3.18-billion Penn Station Access project has begun that will

Work Begins on $6B Champlain Hudson Power Express Transmission Line Job
ALBANY—In the past few weeks work has begun on two major green energy projects, including the $6-billion Champlain
Hudson Power Express 339-mile transmission line project

Harrison Nabs $2.6M State Innovation Grant For Flooding Restoration Project Improvements
HARRISON, NY—Anja Porto recalls the terror of the rising flood waters that she and her husband Robert lived through during Hurricane Ida last September.

Attorney’s Column – Court Reminder: Existence of ‘Lien Fund’ Is Necessary to Support Valid Lien
This column has often advised that a mechanic’s lien is a powerful tool to help unpaid contractors get paid. Private liens have the benefits of

State, NYC, Westchester County To Prioritize Housing Funding
TARRYTOWN—State and local politicians agree that New York State and many localities throughout the Empire State are facing a housing crisis, specifically the lack of

Matthew Driscoll to Step Down As Thruway Authority Exec. Director
ALBANY—Matthew Driscoll, executive director of the New York State Thruway Authority, and who held the top post for the past five years, announced at the

Guest Viewpoint – Insurance Cost Outlook for 2023
A recent meeting of building contractors and advisors of the Building Contractors Association in mid-December examined the major challenges in the insurance market today as

Safety Watch – Lawsuit Targets Training in Use of Heavy Equipment, Known Hazards
As has been previously shown in this safety series, Labor v. Sentinel Systems, LLC emphasizes the need for construction companies to provide proper instruction and

County Approves Budget that Includes Historic Affordable Housing Plan
WHITE PLAINS, NY—Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed on Dec. 12 a budget for next year that includes a record investment to build workforce housing.

Financial Management – Hiring Challenges Can Be Helped by a Targeted Approach; Review the Eligibility of Valuable WOTC Tax Credits
Like many construction companies, your firm may have been trying for some time to fill open positions. If this is the case, be aware of

NYC Update – Mayor Adams: We Are Going To Build Everywhere
The Adams administration is advancing two major neighborhood planning efforts. The first is aimed at leveraging four brand-new Metro-North train stations set to open in

Economic Outlook – Russia-Ukraine War: Economic Effects
A report from the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank assesses the impact from the Russia-Ukraine war as less sizeable than those of the 1970s’ oil shocks

MTA Warns of Higher Fares, Deferred Capital Projects
NEW YORK—The Metropolitan Transportation Authority released its 2023 budget on Nov. 30 and issued warnings of possible staff reductions, deferred or cancelled capital projects and

Voters Overwhelmingly Approve $4.2B Environmental Bond Act
TARRYTOWN—New York State voters marked their ballots on Election Day overwhelmingly in favor of the $4.2 billion in bond financing to fund sorely-needed clean water,

Building at Long-Shuttered Hospital Site Scheduled to Start in 2023
PORT CHESTER, NY—It appears that plans to redevelop the long-shuttered United Hospital property off Route 1 in Port Chester can finally proceed to construction in

New $300 Million in State Grant Awards To Target Water Infrastructure Projects
ALBANY—New York State earlier this month announced nearly $300 million is being awarded to communities through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Grant, Intermunicipal Grant, Green Innovation

Voters Weigh In On Transportation
TARRYTOWN, NY—During the Nov. 8 election, voters in states across the country had their say on various transportation-related initiatives with billions of dollars at stake.

Attorney’s Column – Court Permits Arbitration to Proceed Against Both Owner and Owner’s Disclosed Agent
This column has often counseled that “if it’s not in writing, it didn’t happen.” While that is very simplified advice, the core lesson we seek

Nearly $61 Million in Bridge Projects Completed in Hudson Valley Region
ALBANY—The New York State Department of Transportation announced on Nov. 21 the completion of $60.5 million in bridge upgrade projects to enhance safety and resiliency

Photo Gallery – DOT Bundles Bridge Projects In Westchester
Major construction is complete on a project that replaced the bridge carrying East Lincoln Avenue over the Hutchinson River Parkway and Hutchinson River. The $48-million

New Queens Soccer Stadium, Mixed With Housing Could be a Winning Plan
NEW YORK—New York City Mayor Eric Adams unveiled his administration’s vision for the next phase of the transformation of the Willets Point community in Queens

Obituary – Francesco Montesano
Francesco Montesano of Harrison, NY, the founder of Montesano Brothers, Inc., of New Rochelle, NY and father of CIC Board Member Dominick Montesano, passed away

Safety Watch – Ignoring Trench Safety Rules Lands Contractor Two OSHA Violations
Construction companies must not only ensure they have a proper safety program in place, but that it is also adequately communicated and enforced by documented

Financial Management – Bright Spots that Contractors Can Set Their Sights On
COVID presented its own problems impacting labor and supply chain issues, and now to say the least we are facing another round of unprecedented and

$100-Million Movie Studio Project Proposed for Hudson River Village
HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, NY—The burgeoning movie and television production industry in the Hudson Valley could be getting larger as a major “green” television-movie studio project in this

NYC Update – NY Building Congress Releases Ambitious Resiliency Agenda
NEW YORK—Following the 10-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy decimating New York infrastructure on an unimaginable scale, the New York Building Congress released a policy agenda

Galleria at White Plains Redevelopment Taking Shape with New Partners
WHITE PLAINS—The long-promised redevelopment plan for The Galleria at White Plains, which was the focal point of the urban renewal of the downtown district in

What’s New & Who’s News
A roundup of what’s new and who’s in the news both locally and in the state.

Thruway Authority’s Driscoll Unveils $1.7B Capital Plan
TARRYTOWN, NY – Representatives of the Hudson Valley region’s building and construction contracting community and union trades recently received a lengthy presentation from New York

Biden Touts $120B Spend In NY Spurred Federal CHIPS Act
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Two major companies’ combined promised $120 billion in investments in New York State prompted President Joe Biden to visit the Hudson Valley

$95 Million Newburgh-Beacon Bridge Project To Replace Deck
NEWBURGH – The New York State Bridge Authority announced on Sept. 30 the construction work that affected travelers crossing the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge finished early

Yes to the Environmental Bond Act on Nov. 8
For the life of all New Yorkers, we must approve the $4.2 billion in bonds to fund projects to improve water infrastructure, mitigate climate-change and

Westchester’s Exec. Latimer Unveils $662.5M Capital Budget Plan for ‘23
WHITE PLAINS, NY – Westchester County Executive George Latimer released on Oct. 13 a $662.5-million proposed Capital Budget, which includes $448.8 million for general county

Attorney’s Column – Court Permits Arbitration to Proceed Against Both Owner and Owner’s Disclosed Agent
On a construction project, the term “general contractor” is often thrown around rather loosely to refer to the one contractor at the top of the

$138M Joint Water Works Project Advances
HARRISON NY – A project to build a new $138-million drinking water filtration plant on Westchester County-owned land at Westchester County Airport here has cleared

Route 17 Project’s Environmental Review To Proceed, Funding Committed: Gov.
ALBANY – For those who were wondering if construction on a third lane on Route 17 in Orange and Sullivan counties would come—sooner or later—the answer

Photo Gallery – Continuing Ed Seminar for PEs Earning 6 PDH (HSW) Credits
TARRYTOWN, NY— Some 30 Professional Engineers attended the Construction Advancement Institute of Westchester & Mid-Hudson’s annual continuing education seminar on Oct. 19 at the Tappan

Lawsuit Prompts Town to Spend $36 Million on Sewer Repairs
HARRISON, NY—The Save the Sound environmental advocacy group and the Town/Village of Harrison have reached a collaborative agreement that would resolve Save the Sound’s Clean

NYC Construction Spending at All-Time High of $86B in 2022
NEW YORK—New York City construction spending will reach $86 billion in 2022, up $38 billion from last year and marking an all-time high, according to

Safety Watch – Operating Powered Industrial Trucks? Units Vary, Requiring Ongoing Training
Secretary of Labor v. Huen Electric, Inc. demonstrates the need for construction workers to be properly trained and competent when operating a powered industrial truck

Financial Management – Impact of Inflation on the Construction Industry – How Did We Get Here?
Inflation can generally be defined as the increase in prices for goods and services within an economy. When prices rise, it’s also true that the

NYC Update – New York City, State to Partner on $1.6B Science and Research Park in Kips Bay
NEW YORK—A $1.6-billion public-private partnership with The City University of New York to build a new science and research park at Hunter College’s Brookdale Campus

Economic Outlook – Taming Inflation Will Take Longer Than Expected
A recent report by the Brookings Organization, a Washington, D.C. think tank, indicated that the Federal Reserve likely would need to push unemployment far higher

What’s New & Who’s News
A roundup of what’s new and who’s in the news both locally and in the state.

Hundreds of Millions Go Unspent For Capital Work
YORKTOWN, NY – Hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal funds for infrastructure are going unspent as the condition of Hudson Valley roads,

Mount Vernon, Westchester County Celebrate Opening of Fully Renovated Memorial Field
MOUNT VERNON, NY – At a recent ceremony to mark the end of a long-delayed effort to rehabilitate the storied Memorial Field, speakers recalled its

CIC, Teamsters Launch ‘Hands-on’ Training Program Thanks to New ‘Hold-Harmless’ Insurance for Employers
TARRYTOWN, NY – New “hold-harmless” insurance protection coverage for CIC employers is accelerating the pathway for young drivers to acquire the skills they need to
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