As we wrap up another exciting week in the Ohio Valley, I can't help but feel a sense of déjà vu – yet again, major developments are on the horizon! We're thrilled to see more positive news for Weirton, WV. Additionally, Jefferson County, OH is making waves with not one, but two potential projects that strive to elevate the region.

Don't forget to secure your spot for our upcoming Annual Membership Meeting, capitalize on cost-saving opportunities with DSI, and delve into the wealth of insightful articles waiting for you in this week's Safety First section.

The Ohio Valley continues to be a hub of activity and growth, and we're excited to share every milestone with you, as we fulfill our Vision: Elevating the construction industry to the highest standards, providing next generation opportunities, and building a more prosperous community.

Manchin Announces $50M Grant for New Boston Metal Facility in Weirton

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced that Boston Metal will receive a $50 million grant through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grants Program to support the construction of a new facility in Weirton to manufacture ultrapure chromium metal and high temperature alloys that are critical materials needed for advanced energy technologies.

Wheeling City Council Approves $200,000 Grant for Waterfront Hall Renovations through Upper Floor Incentive Program

After more than a year of its implementation, the Upper Floor Incentive Program in Wheeling has approved its first participant for funding. LSRG LLC, represented by Richard Milleson, has been granted $200,000 by Wheeling City Council for the Waterfront Hall project. Wheeling City Manager Robert Herron explained that the grant is the maximum amount allowed and will contribute to the successful opening of the several-million-dollar project.

This project was completed by Cattrell Companies, Inc.

Jefferson County Port Authority to Draft Letter Supporting Bridge Replacement

The Jefferson County Port Authority’s board of directors on Wednesday voted to have the agency’s executive director draft a letter of support for a program that would help finance a replacement for the Market Street Bridge.

Executive Director Robert Naylor had recommended the board go above and beyond template letters, instead providing a “strongly-worded” letter of support for the bridge replacement opportunity, being led by the West Virginia Department of Transportation’s Division of Highways.

Jefferson County Industrial Park Land Ready for Development

The way the Jefferson County commissioners see it, a ready-to-develop, 13.36-acre site at the county-owned industrial park is opportunity knocking.

“It’s something I’ve been pushing for quite a while,” Commissioner Dave Maple said. “If you look up and down the Ohio River in our economic development region, there’s not a lot of inventory–inventory means having buildings of a size, whether publicly or privately owned, to get employers into the area. Employers don’t typically want to wait three or four years for something to be built for them, they want it to be built already for them, at least the shell.”

Bruce & Merrilees Electric Co. is Hiring in Pennsylvania and Ohio

As a “thank you” for your membership with OVCEC, your business has access to national account pricing with several vendors through OVCEC’s Member Rewards Program. These national accounts are managed by DSI, a group purchasing organization, but the associated savings opportunities are available to you solely as an OVCEC membership benefit and without DSI based costs or purchasing requirements.

First Aid and Safety; Uniform Purchase/Lease

• Discounted pricing for onsite First Aid products, AED Program, Fire Protection products and services, rental, purchase, or lease of Uniforms

Next step: Send recent invoices to Michael Petruzzi for a cost comparison.

Phone: 720-382-8162 Email: [email protected]

Deck the Halls – Safely

With the holiday season underway, workers may be feeling festive and want to show it in the workplace. Follow these tips to help prevent injuries while decorating:



• Never stand on a chair to hang decorations. Use a stepladder, and make sure to follow the instructions. And never hang decorations from fire sprinklers – they can prevent the sprinklers from operating properly. OSHA regulations state that stacked materials should never be closer than 18 inches below fire sprinklers.
• Make sure all electrical items, such as string lights, are certified by a nationally recognized independent testing lab.
• Inspect all decorations and extension cords for damage before using.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets – they can overheat and cause a fire.
• Don’t place extension cords in high-traffic areas of your workplace, or under rugs, carpets or furniture.
• Never attempt to extend the length of an extension cord by connecting it to another extension cord.
• Never nail or staple extension cords to walls – doing so may damage existing wire insulation.

‘Be Willing to Listen’: Experts Discuss Suicide Prevention in Construction

Naloxone/Narcan in Construction — What You Need to Know

Overdose deaths and opioid use have risen significantly in the United States, with research indicating that the risk of opioid use and overdose fatality is higher in construction than in other industries.

AGC of America held a webinar about Naloxone/Narcan – what it is and how it works, obtaining naloxone/NARCAN, workplace readiness, legal and liability concerns, policies and procedures on responding to opioid overdose, and much more.

Naloxone/Narcan in Construction: What You Need to Know

Naloxone Access: Summary of State Laws