| December 7, 2007 | News for contractors and the construction industry |
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- Work to begin on $30M Virginia mixed-use project
New Boston Fund is close to starting construction on its $30 million mixed-use development in Blacksburg, Va. The 375,000-square-foot project is being built with minority partner Fairmont Properties in a 90%-10% ownership structure. GlobeSt.com
(12/6)       
- Soaring costs may delay Dallas transit projects
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit agency may have to delay projects that are part of its long-term plan due to skyrocketing construction costs. The plan includes new transit lines, a second light rail alignment for the city's downtown and a separate passenger rail. The Dallas Morning News (free registration)
(12/6)
- Hyatt plans four new hotels in Russia
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts is planning to expand in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States with four new hotels -- a Park Hyatt, a Grand Hyatt and two Hyatt Regencys -- in the next three years. TravelPulse
(12/7)
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| Market Update |  | |
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- OECD predicts global economy will slow in 2008
Growth in the world's economy will slow to its lowest rate in five years, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The think tank cited turmoil in the financial markets, an increase in commodity prices and the cooling housing markets in making the forecast. The OECD, in its twice-yearly report, warned that China's economy may be overheating. It also recommended that the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan leave interest rates unchanged. Financial Times (free content)
(12/6), The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model)
(12/7)
| Product Innovation & Technology | | |
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- D.C. in EPA agreement to reduce storm-water runoff
Under a new agreement with the EPA, the District of Columbia plans to make infrastructure enhancements to protect the Potomac and Anacostia rivers from storm-water runoff. The district agreed to use natural systems to reduce storm-water pollution, such as using trees, green roofs and vegetated buffers. FacilitiesNet
(12/5)
| News From Washington | | |
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- House passes comprehensive energy plan
The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday approved the Energy Independence and Security Act, which would boost biofuel production, implement a renewable-energy mandate and raise vehicle fuel-economy standards. However, Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, said that because it doesn't include support for energy sources such as nuclear, hydropower and clean-coal technology, "it's almost impossible to meet." The White House has threatened to veto the measure. The Washington Post
(12/7)
- House Dems aim for floor vote on revised TRIA bill
House Democrats are looking toward a floor vote by next week on a revised bill on terrorism insurance that would, among other things, extend the 2002 Terrorism Risk Insurance Act by seven years. The House version of the bill differs from the Senate's version in a number of ways, including a lower trigger for when TRIA funds can be called upon. Business Insurance/Reuters
(12/5)
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| The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
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Interested in learning more about advertising in the AGC SmartBrief? Contact Jim Pataki at (202) 737-5500 x273 or jpataki@smartbrief.com.
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| Association News | | |
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AGC Audio Conference: Third annual economic forecast
On Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2-3:30 p.m. ET, AGC offers a glimpse at the "bigger picture" of the economy's direction in 2008. Naturally, what happens in the economy will have a direct impact on what may happen to your company. Find out what factors may impact your bottom line during this annual favorite audio conference. Can the industry keep up the pace in 2008? Will it be dragged down by a slowing economy? What segments and regions are most vulnerable? Join Ken Simonson, Dana Delano and John Cross -- all experts on the economy and construction materials -- as they assess the industry's prospects and take questions from listeners. For more information on the Audio Conference, please visit www.agc.org/EconForecast. For a complete listing of upcoming Audio Conferences and information on previous Audio Conferences, please visit www.agc.org/audioconferences
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AGC makes it easy to be green
AGC has worked with the foremost experts in environmental management and compliance to create an authoritative collection of publications. Find out what you need to create an EMS, how to keep storm water from destroying your project and how to keep your profits from being drained. Visit the environmental section of the AGC Bookstore and discover all you need to be green. www.agc.org/bookstore.
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