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July 13, 2013 • Vol. IX • No. 14 • 470 Maryland Drive • Ft. Washington, PA 19034 • 215/885-2900 • Toll Free 800-523-2200 • Fax 215/885-2910
Inside
Ashton Dam Reconstruction Job Digs Into Past By David Eskelsen SPECIAL TO CEG
Holt CAT Breaks Ground on New Facility...8
Wheeler Machinery Hosts Charity Bike Ride...16
The reconstruction of the Ashton Dam was a unique project in the history of PacifiCorp, which operates as Rocky Mountain Power in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. The project required historical research into the original construction of the nearly 100-year-old dam, careful construction techniques and a three-year phased construction schedule. The utility worked with federal and state officials and interested stakeholders for a number of years on this project. Detailed planning and coordination with numerous groups was required to meet the needs of state and federal water quality requirements, farmers who use the Ashton reservoir for irrigation and sport fishing groups concerned about the impact of the project on a world-famous fishing area. “We extend our special thanks to the nearby property owners and farmers who use Ashton reservoir for irrigation and recreation, together with the community of Ashton,” said Troy Stout, project manager, PacifiCorp. “We appreciate their patience see DAM page 34
Bay Bridge East Span Built for Longevity...17
Table of Contents ............4 California Section ....17-19 Wheel Loaders, Tool Carriers & Attachments Section ......................20-29 Paving Section ........41-51 Business Calendar ........52 Auction Section ......55-61 Advertisers Index ..........62
PacifiCorp worked with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Idaho Department of Water Resources Dam Safety since 2004 to evaluate the structural conditions of the dam and determine scope of work required to upgrade the structure to modern standards.
ASA to File Amicus Brief in Jobless Rate Fall Support of Subcontractor Below 10 Percent On Aug. 23, 2013, the American Subcontractors Association will urge the U.S. Supreme Court to affirm an appeals court’s decision in a case concerning whether construction disputes should be resolved in a local forum or, instead, subcontractors can be forced to take their claims to a far off jurisdiction. ASA will file an amicus curiae brief in Atlantic Marine Constr. Co. v. JCrew Management, Inc.,
supporting the subcontractor, J-Crew, in a case in which the country’s highest court will determine whether federal courts are required to enforce contractual forum-selection clauses or whether judges have the right to consider other factors, such as the overall convenience of the parties and witnesses and the interests of justice when deciding if venue is proper. In the construction industry, out-of-state gen-
eral contractors commonly require their subcontractors to sign forum-selection and choice of law clauses, arguing that it’s more convenient and less expensive for them to resolve disputes in a jurisdiction of their choice. “The general contractor’s expediency comes at the detriment of its subcontractors, whose places of business, records, and personnel generally are close to the location of the see ASA page 60
The unemployment rate for construction workers fell below double digits in June for the first time since 2008 as every segment of the industry added employees, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the relatively positive jobs report for the sector highlights the need to address potential shortages of skilled and entry-level workers. “Construction employment in June was the highest since August 2009,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “But employment is still down by one-quarter from the peak more than seven years ago. Many of those laid-off workers have left the industry — whether for employment elsewhere, more education or retirement — and construction companies face a looming worker shortage.” see EMPLOYMENT page 58