On Tuesday, Governor Walz released his plan for balancing the state budget for the next two years. The recommendations fill the projected budget deficit and additional spending increases by increasing three taxes - income, corporate, and cigarette. The corporate tax increase would be increased to 11.25%. The plan for transportation is a status quo budget and does not include revenue increases for transportation, such as the gas tax. 

 

There are some funding increases for highways and the State Road Construction Program. These increases are driven by recent federal funding and using more funds from the trunk highway fund. 

The legislature will hear more from the Administration about the proposal in the upcoming weeks. Then the House and the Senate will begin crafting their budget proposals once the February budget forecast is released. Minnesota remains the only state in the nation with a divided legislature (Democrat-led House and Republican-led Senate), which will set up different ideas about addressing the state budget and pandemic recovery efforts. 

Reach out to Laura Ziegler, Director of Highway/Heavy and Government Affairs, at lziegler@agcmn.org with any questions. 

MnDOT plans to use CM/GC for the TH 10/75 - 11th Street Underpass project in Moorhead. Additional information about the project and a Request for Letters of Interest is now available on MnDOT’s CM/GC website.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will begin winter load increases on unrestricted highways in the Metro, Southeast and South frost zones at 12:01 AM on Monday, February 1, 2021.

Winter load increases are already in effect in the other frost zones. Frost zones and restricted routes can be found on the MnDOT load limits map.

MnDOT is asking potential contractors to assist with evaluating construction staging and risks to delivering the New Ulm to Nicollet 4-lane Expansion Project. MnDOT requests one-on-one meetings with potential construction contractors to review the proposed concepts and provide feedback. The meetings are expected to last approximately 90 minutes each, and will preferably take place between February 15-19, 2021. Meetings will be held virtually, via Microsoft Teams.

More information available here, as well as in this document.

Please contact Zachary Tess, Project Manager, at 507-317-8168 or zachary.tess@state.mn.us to schedule a meeting.

We are saddened to announce the recent passing of Donald A. Kainz. Don is father to AGC of Minnesota board member Jon Kainz, and co-founded AGC member firm Donlar Construction in 1972.

Don was a quiet mentor and teacher to those around him. He preferred helping individuals succeed and was more concerned for his people than the company's bottom line. From its inception in 1972, Don built the firm’s field forces, helping transform Donlar into the premier company it is today. He loved family, his Catholic faith and enjoyed a passion for the outdoors, including early morning walks, fishing, pontoon rides, and many other simple outdoor pleasures.  The entire AGC of Minnesota membership extends our deepest sympathy to the Kainz family.

Services have been held. Obituary details can be found here.

Memorials preferred to Poor Clare Monastery

421 S. 4th Street

Sauk Rapids, Minnesota 56379

AGC Members: if you are celebrating a milestone or have other significant news,

please let Renee know, and we will periodically publish news from

The Building Strong Communities program is a union construction trade apprenticeship preparatory program designed and administered by a partnership between the Metropolitan Council and 12 union craft trades. The three-month program uses Union trade developed curriculum, industry culture, and conversations with industry representatives to prepare individuals for the unique challenges of building a career in the construction industry. The BSC program provides unions and union contractors women and people of color who understand the expectations, culture and pathway to not only become an apprentices, but a build a career as a journeyperson.

The 2020 cohort assisted 16 females and people of color in starting their apprenticeships in 8 trades. The upcoming 2021 cohort is designed to prepare 25 women and people of color to complete the program and begin their apprenticeship journey this spring. Visit the program website www.buildingstrong.org to connect with BSC program leadership and learn more.

Online/Virtual Event

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Click here for more information and registration.

AGC of Minnesota will be starting another Lean cohort in March! Participants can save money by taking the entire series, or may register for individual units. See all the available units here.

AGC of Minnesota members can save $800 on the AGC of America Project Manager Development Program (PMDP) offered through AGC of Wisconsin. More information and registration details here.

For discount code to get member rate, contact Renee.

AGC of Minnesota members can save $100 per unit on the AGC of America Building Information Modeling (BIM) program offered through AGC of Missouri. More information and registration details here.

For information on getting the discounted rate, contact Nancy Lake.