Welcome back to our weekly news roundup! This week brings several great stories about the future of the industry including upcoming changes in the economy, new mega projects in California, and the very-real potential of returning to the moon with autonomous mining equipment in coming decades. Read on for the full stories below:
US Construction at a Crossroads
Daily Commercial News
Chief economist for Construction Connect, Alex Carrick, recently reported on upcoming changes in the United States construction industry. Among the most important issues facing the US market are demographic shifts, new tech development, and economic factors like low unemployment. One key takeaway from the changes is that mega projects are on the rise in comparison to residential or commercial construction, which are now on the decline.
High Speed Train From Victor Valley to Las Vegas Could Start Construction in 2020
The Sun
This week, the California Infrastructure and Economic Bank approved $3.2 billion in bonds for a new high speed rail line from the Victor Valley in Southern California to the gambling and entertaining metropolis of Las Vegas, Nevada. The new infrastructure plan is expected to bring lasting economic growth to both regions. With extensions to Los Angeles expected to come at a later date, the initial rail line could be fully operational by 2023 if the state of Nevada approves the remaining $950 million required to complete the project.
UAH to Offer Free Nationally Recognized Credential Training in Highway Construction
WAFF48
The University of Alabama in Huntsville will offer free training to anyone interested in obtaining NCCER Heavy Highway Construction, Level 1 credentials through its Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. The program will be a joint effort between the university and the Alabama Department of Transportation. Minorities, women and veterans will be targeted for enrollment, and will have the chance to enroll in a full-time “On-The-Job Training Program.”
Dutch Construction Workers Protest Environmental Rules
New York Post
With climate concerns rising around the globe, the interests of government regulators and construction professionals are beginning to face off. Thousands of Dutch construction workers recently protested in The Hague to dispute the rules the argue are hurting their business. Among the most controversial regulations are limits to nitrogen emissions and the transportation of “sand and earth contaminated with tiny amounts of chemicals known as PFAS.” Government officials have signaled that they will be relaxing some of the new rules.
Construction Company Caterpillar Wants to Mine the Moon
Popular Mechanics
As if things couldn’t get any more ‘out of this world’, Caterpillar and NASA have revealed informal plans about how moon mining could become a practical reality within our lifetimes. One of the biggest innovations contributing to the collaboration is the mining industry’s move towards autonomous vehicles, which experts say will one day be a cornerstone of mining operations on the moon. Although major factors such as radiation damage and returning products back to Earth have not been addressed, NASA’s planned return to the moon is expected to draw more interest and could eventually provide a major boost to the industry.
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