Congress continues to fund highway bill at 2009 level
The highway bill has gotten another short-term extension. The U.S. Senate approved a measure on Oct. 29 continuing federal government funding at fiscal 2009 levels until mid-December. The House and Senate are divided over whether to proceed with multi-year legislation to reauthorize the highway program or choose a shorter-term measure to delay the more comprehensive legislation. This marks the second continuation of federal government funding at last year’s levels, a move made necessary because Congress has still been unable to complete its appropriations work from fiscal 2009.
MSHA recognizes operations for outstanding safety records
Twenty mining operations have been honored for their outstanding 2008 safety records in the annual Sentinels of Safety awards program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration and the National Mining Association.
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Midwest Minerals receives reclamation honor
Midwest Minerals Inc., winner of the Kansas State Conservation Commission 2008 Governor’s Mined Land Reclamation Award in July 2009, has been recognized to receive the top national award from the National Association of State Land Reclamationists.
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Reed Construction Data: September construction starts fall slightly
According to Reed Construction Data, construction starts fell only 1.5 percent in September from August after adjusting for the large seasonal decline typical at the end of the summer. This is consistent with the Reed Construction Data forecast that starts will slip very slowly lower into the winter and that construction spending will dip slightly more by year-end.
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Construction employment shrinks in most metro areas
All but 12 communities nationwide saw declines in construction employment between September 2008 and 2009, according to a new analysis of metropolitan area employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That analysis, released by the Associated General Contractors of America, found more construction jobs were lost in Phoenix (35,100) than in any other U.S. city.
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Five teams compete in mine rescue contest
A North Central Regional Mine Rescue Contest will be held Nov. 3-5 at the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 Apprenticeship and Skills Improvement Training Site near Wilmington, Ill. The event includes a mine rescue field contest, plus optional first aid, apparatus bench and multi-gas meter bench contests. The contest is open to any metal and nonmetal mine rescue team in the United States.
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Mack, Volvo truck makers set to merge
Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks North America have merged into a single entity called North American Trucks, a decision announced internally to employees. Dennis Slagle, president and CEO of Mack Trucks, will reportedly head the company. The changes took effect Nov. 1.
Amcast opens Denver office
East Coast-based Amcast Inc. opened a Denver warehouse, the company announced. Amcast specializes in hi-tech metals, wear resistance insert applications for blow bars and VSI parts, and new manganese compositions for jaws and cones. With the launch of the Denver warehouse, Amcast plans to improve its customer service network in the West, the company said.
Central Michigan Kenworth opens Lansing location
Central Michigan Kenworth opened in Lansing, Mich., to enhance customer support following the conversion of the dealership from another truck manufacturer, the company announced. Central Michigan Kenworth is a full-service dealership and a wholly owned subsidiary of Eastern Michigan Kenworth.
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Lafarge is scoring big with the University of Michigan.