Alabama Construction News is the states only bimonthly magazine dedicated to the commercial construction industry.
Issue link: http://acn.epubxp.com/i/795144
OCT/NOV 2014 AL CONSTRUCTION NEWS 23 OCT/DEC 2015 AL CONSTRUCTION NEWS 23 last few months the economic impact of newer, updated prisons have been studied. Commissioner of Alabama Department of Corrections Jeff Dunn has been reviewing pros and cons of various delivery methods and the impact/savings some of those various methods could offer the state. It is certainly clear that the leadership, as well as state staff, wants to make sure when spending 800 million dollars of the taxpayers money that it is done in the most effective way possible. Our state has not seen an economic boost of one single project with this magnitude in years, and our association certainly feels getting this legislation passed will generate an extra boost in a recovering economy. The association will be taking a harder look and a more certain position once the final legislation is circulated to the legislature. P R I O R I T Y : A L A B A M A I N F R A S T R U C T U R E F U N D I N G For the last several years, our association has worked with other industry partners in developing some type of infrastructure funding that gets our state up to the standards of other states' infrastructure models. Our board of directors has been meeting regularly with these trade partners, along with a newly formed coalition, to ensure we are offering the resources and assistance needed to educate the public as well as elected officials on the positive impact this can have on industry recruitment, quality of life for citizens and, of course, our industry. While a specific piece of legislation was not available at the time of print, ABC of Alabama does have a member on the coalition for infrastructure funding 2017. P R I O R I T Y : S P R I N K L E R L E G I S L AT I O N For the last several years, ABC of Alabama has monitored any revisions that address sprinkler systems in residential settings. This legislation is important as our sprinkler members want to ensure when sprinkler systems are installed in single-family dwellings, those installing such systems are trained to ensure life safety. P R I O R I T Y : C O U N T Y P R E F E R E N C E L E G I S L AT I O N I N P U B L I C W O R K S ABC of Alabama opposes House Bill 40 in its present form. While the intent of the legislation is to assure local contractors are awarded public works projects by allowing 5 percent percent preference, the bill could have a negative impact on contractors bidding that work from anywhere else across the state. ABC of Alabama has met with the bill's sponsor, but at the time of print, no amendment or revision to the bill has been made. 2017 Legislative Agenda Released JAN-MAR 2017 AL CONSTRUCTION NEWS We will be reporting on pertinent developments related to these priorities to ensure you are informed. Additionally, we will be monitoring other pieces of legislation that may affect our industry and provide updates as necessary. Registered lobbyists for ABC of Alabama include Jay Reed (jay@abc-alabama.org), Todd Walker (todd@ abc-alabama.org), Josh Blades (jblades@bradley.com) and Dave Stewart (dave.stewart@bradley.com). Our association is committed to representing the construction industry and our members on a statewide basis. If local concerns arise in your designated ABC of Alabama district, please reach out to any of the above.