Vibrant Construction Activity Marks Downtown Wheeling

This week, during a short break between meetings, I wandered around the block and was thrilled to witness so many OVCEC members in action. The energy was palpable.

In just one block, I saw Grae-Con Construction, Erb Electric Company, H.E. Neumann Company, Cattrell Companies, and Carl Walker Construction hard at work. It was truly inspiring to see them actively contributing to shaping the evolving landscape of Wheeling.

Their collective efforts are laying the groundwork for significant transformations within the city. It's evident that we stand at the threshold of remarkable progress, with these projects marking just the initial steps towards an exciting future for Wheeling.

Building a Future on the Hydrogen Hub

U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin, D, W.Va., and Shelley Moore Capito, R, W.Va., did an important thing recently as they talked about the potential for the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub in West Virginia. They were optimistic but avoided “This is a done deal that will immediately put our state’s economy on a rocket ship to prosperity” theatrics. “We are not — and I think that people need to realize this — we are not in the final phase of getting a full thumbs up to move forward. So today, negotiations begin,” Capito said. “We are at the second critical juncture to which we can begin full implementation once we get the OK.”

West Virginia Lawmakers Receive Details on Weirton Development Projects

Weirton “is economically on fire,” with development and dust also happening in nearby Brooke and Ohio County, local officials told the West Virginia lawmakers Monday. Weirton City Manager Michael Adams, Brooke County Commissioner A.J. Thomas, and Josh Jefferson, president, and CEO of the Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED) organization spoke before the West Virginia Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Finance Monday at Oglebay Park’s Wilson Lodge.

What the Infrastructure Law Has Achieved in Two Years

Two years in, more than 40,000 projects totaling nearly $400 billion have been funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law. The work has been spread across more than 4,500 communities in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, territories and tribal nations. Below are state fact sheets and a map detailing how the law is impacting our region and the nation:

West Virginia

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Nationwide Map

SBA to Consider School Funding Project Requests With New Increase in Square Footage Allowance

West Virginia county school superintendents from across the state will present their proposed construction NEEDS projects for funding in front the of the state School Building Authority Monday and Tuesday. A new 46 percent increase in the square footage cost allowance will be in effect when projects are presented at the SBA office in Charleston. The SBA voted on the change last month. It’s the first increase in the allowance since 2019. The previous allowance cost of just more than $300 a square foot, which SBA members believed was way below what construction costs actually are due to COVID and inflation. Elementary schools will be allowed to ask for $447 per square foot. Pre-K-8 schools are allowed up to $445, middle schools up to $442 and high schools up to $440.

West Virginia Division of Highways Makes Strides Under Governor's Initiatives

In a recent briefing with Governor Jim Justice, State Transportation Secretary Jimmy Wriston expressed his excitement about the ongoing work being done by the West Virginia Division of Highways (DOH) on the state's roads. Wriston credited the Governor's leadership for the agency's forward momentum, highlighting the 10-year bridge program for rehab and replacements, as well as the 10-year programs for interstate paving, U.S. Route paving, and West Virginia Route paving. He emphasized that the agency is also prioritizing the maintenance of secondary roads, which are crucial to many people.

Wheeling to Seek EPA Grant for Asbestos Abatement at Old Clay School

Regardless of whether the vacant Clay School property is razed or repurposed for redevelopment in the future, officials in the city of Wheeling are seeking federal funding to help cover the considerable cost for asbestos abatement – which will need to be done regardless of which path forward is taken.

Cerrone Associates, Inc. is Hiring for a Resident Project Representative in Wheeling, WV

Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal is Hiring in West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, and Maryland

Steptoe & Johnson Recognized in the 2024 Edition of Best Law Firms

Steptoe & Johnson PLLC has been recognized as a Tier 2 National “Best Law Firm” in mining law as well as a Tier 3 National “Best Law Firm” in commercial litigation, construction law, and real estate law.

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.

Office Supplies

• Average of 10% - 30% + savings
• Customized quotes with core items specific to your needs
• Access to approximately 500 core items negotiated by DSI
• HP Big Deal Pricing
• 10% off Branded HP Inks/Toners
• 20% off Private Brand HP Inks/Toners

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

Phone: 720-382-8162 Email: mpetruzzi@dsi-mail.com