By Mark S. Kuhar and Josephine Smith
This issue of Rock Products features nine regional reports, with information about aggregates production, construction activity, legislative initiatives and construction employment.
The information is broken down by region, based on the U.S. Geological Survey’s quarterly reports. The regions are:
- New England (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT).
- Middle Atlantic (NJ, NY, PA).
- East North Central (IL, IN, MI, OH, WI).
- West North Central (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD).
- South Atlantic (DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV).
- East South Central (AL, KY, MS, TN).
- West South Central (AR, LA, OK, TX).
- Mountain (AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WY).
- Pacific (AK, CA, HI, OR, WA).
For additional guidance on construction activity that impacts aggregates markets, Dodge Data & Analytics just released its 2018 Dodge Construction Outlook, a mainstay in construction industry forecasting and business planning. The report predicts that total U.S. construction starts for 2018 will climb 3 percent to $765 billion.
“The U.S. construction industry has moved into a mature stage of expansion,” stated Robert Murray, chief economist for Dodge Data & Analytics. “After rising 11 percent to 13 percent per year from 2012 through 2015, total construction starts advanced a more subdued 5 percent in 2016. An important question entering 2017 was whether the construction industry had the potential for further expansion. Several project types, including multifamily housing and hotels, have pulled back from their 2016 levels, but the current year has seen continued growth by single-family housing, office buildings, and warehouses. In addition, the institutional segment of nonresidential building has been quite strong, led especially by transportation terminal projects in combination with gains for schools and healthcare facilities. As for public works, the specifics of a $1 trillion infrastructure program by the Trump Administration have yet to materialize, so activity continues to hover around basically the plateau for construction starts reached a couple of years ago. Total construction starts in 2017 are estimated to climb 4 percent to $746 billion.”
“For 2018, there are several positive factors which suggest that the construction expansion has further room to proceed,” Murray continued. “The U.S. economy next year is anticipated to see moderate job growth. Long-term interest rates may see some upward movement but not substantially. While market fundamentals for commercial real estate won’t be quite as strong as this year, funding support for construction will continue to come from state and local bond measures. Two areas of uncertainty relate to whether tax reform and a federal infrastructure program get passed, with their potential to lift investment. Overall, the year 2018 is likely to show some construction project types register gains while other project types settle back, with the end result being a 3 percent increase for total construction starts. By major sector, gains are predicted for residential building, up 4 percent; and nonresidential building, up 2 percent; while nonbuilding construction stabilizes after two years of decline.”
Public works construction will improve 3 percent, slightly more than the 1 percent growth in 2017. Highways and bridges should be helped as federal funding rises to the levels called for by the FAST Act, while the environmental categories will partly reflect reconstruction efforts related to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Additional benefit may come from the infrastructure program proposed by the Trump administration, should it achieve passage in some form.
New England
The New England Region Produced 18 Mt of Total Aggregates, a 5.2 Percent Year-Over-Year Decrease.
By Mark S. Kuhar
The New England region as identified by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) consists of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
In the second quarter of 2017, the most recent report available from USGS, the New England region produced 18 million metric tons (Mt) of total aggregates, a 5.2 percent decrease versus the second quarter of 2016.
That followed first-quarter production of just over 4 Mt, a decrease of 8.8 percent versus the first quarter of 2016.
Individual state production of aggregates in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Connecticut: 4.2 Mt, a decrease of 18 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Massachusetts: Data unreported for the second quarter of 2017.
- Maine: 3 Mt, an increase of 13 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- New Hampshire: 2.7 Mt, a decrease of 17.3 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Rhode Island: Data unreported for the second quarter of 2017.
- Vermont: 3.8 Mt, an increase of 9.7 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Crushed stone production in the second quarter of 2017 in the New England region was 11.5 Mt.
Individual state production of crushed stone in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Connecticut: 2.7 Mt, a decrease of 11.3 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Massachusetts: Data unreported for the second quarter of 2017.
- Maine: 2 Mt, an increase of 30.2 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- New Hampshire: 1.4 Mt, a decrease of 0.8 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Rhode Island: Data unreported for the second quarter of 2017.
- Vermont: 1.7 Mt, an increase of 1.7 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Sand and gravel production in the second quarter of 2017 in the New England region was 6.5 Mt.
Individual state production of sand and gravel in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Connecticut: 1.5 Mt, a decrease of 28.1 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Massachusetts: 3.6 Mt, a decrease of 8.6 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Maine: 1 Mt, a decrease of 10.1 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- New Hampshire: 1.3 Mt, a decrease of 29.9 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Rhode Island: 731,000 metric tons (t), an increase of 23.3 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Vermont: 2.1 Mt, an increase of 16.9 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Construction Activity
Although it is not an apples-to-apples regional comparison, Dodge Data and Analytics reports that total construction starts in the Northeast during the January-October period of 2017 were up 23 percent. Single-family housing production was down 1 percent in the region. Multi-family starts in Boston were down 20 percent.
Recent Dodge Reports have noted several major projects in the New England region states such as a $180 million building renovation at the University of Connecticut in Storrs Mansfield, Conn.; a $200 million biology research building at Yale University in New Haven, Conn.; a $200 million shopping center shell in Norwalk, Conn.; a $91 million high school in Stoughton, Mass.; the $166 million General Electric Global Headquarters Building in Boston; $350 million for Superfund remedial action at the New Bedford, Mass.; and a $134 million innovation complex in Providence, R.I.
Legislative
On the legislative front, in the last election cycle, Maine voters approved the only statewide measure – a $105 million transportation infrastructure bond – with 72 percent support. This was the state’s fifth successful transportation bond in six years.
Construction Jobs in 2017
- Connecticut: Up 0.2 percent, 100 jobs.
- Massachusetts: Up 4.7 percent, 6,900 jobs.
- Maine: Up 3.7 percent, 1,000 jobs.
- New Hampshire: Up 9.7 percent, 2,500 jobs.
- Rhode Island: Up 12 percent, 2,200 jobs.
- Vermont: Up 2 percent, 300 jobs.
Source: Associated General Contractors.
Some numbers have been rounded for ease of reporting.
Middle Atlantic
The Middle Atlantic Region Produced 56.2 Mt of Total Aggregates, a 3.7 Percent Year-Over-Year Decrease.
By Mark S. Kuhar
The Middle Atlantic region as identified by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) consists of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
In the second quarter of 2017, the most recent report available from USGS, the Middle Atlantic region produced 56.2 million metric tons (Mt) of total aggregates, a 3.7 percent decrease versus the second quarter of 2016.
That followed first-quarter production of just over 26 Mt, a decrease of 7.6 percent versus the first quarter of 2016.
Individual state production of aggregates in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- New Jersey: 7.5 Mt, a decrease of 4.8 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- New York: 21.4 Mt, a decrease of 4.2 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Pennsylvania: 27.3 Mt, a decrease of 3.1 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Crushed stone production in the second quarter of 2017 in the Middle Atlantic region was 41 Mt.
Individual state production of crushed stone in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- New Jersey: 4.4 Mt, a decrease of 4.9 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- New York: 11.8 Mt, a decrease of 3.4 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Pennsylvania: 24.8 Mt, a decrease of 1.9 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Sand and gravel production in the second quarter of 2017 in the Middle Atlantic region was 15.3 Mt.
Individual state production of sand and gravel in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- New Jersey: 3.1 Mt, a decrease of 4.5 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- New York: 9.7 Mt, a decrease of 5.1 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Pennsylvania: 2.5 Mt, a decrease of 13.5 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Construction Activity
Although it is not an apples-to-apples regional comparison, Dodge Data and Analytics reports that total construction starts in the Northeast during the January-October period of 2017 were up 23 percent. Single-family housing production was down 1 percent in the region. During the first 10 months of 2017, the top city ranked by the dollar amount of multifamily starts was New York. During the first 10 months of 2017, two of the top states in terms of the dollar amount of highway and bridge construction starts were New York and Pennsylvania.
Recent Dodge Reports have noted several major projects in the Middle Atlantic region, including a $6.0 billion ethane cracker plant in in Monaca, Pa.; a $3.0 billion expansion to the Atlantic Sunrise natural gas pipeline in Pennsylvania and Virginia; the $4.0 billion Delta Airlines terminal facility at LaGuardia Airport; the $1.7 billion 50 Hudson Yards office tower in Manhattan, N.Y.; a $235 million warehouse building in Staten Island, N.Y.; the $477 million Canarsie Tunnel rehabilitation project in New York; the $235 million multifamily portion of a $290 million mixed-use building in New York; a $189 million multifamily high-rise in Jersey City, N.J.; and a $91 million U.S. Land Port of Entry facility at Alexandria Bay, N.Y.
Legislative
New Jersey voters showed their support for transportation funding by reelecting lawmakers who backed the state’s 2016 gas tax increase. ARTBA-TIAC tracked New Jersey state legislative elections as lawmakers faced voters for the first time since approving the October 2016 state gas tax increase. On Nov. 7, 100 percent of 61 New Jersey lawmakers who voted for the gas tax increase in 2016 and ran for reelection won their seats. The results compare to 97 percent of 36 lawmakers who voted against the gas tax increase and won reelection.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), visited the Oxford Quarry, operated by Tilcon New York, a division of Oldcastle Materials Inc. During that meeting, Tilcon staff briefed him on how the operation benefits both the local community and the local economy, including the many public works projects and jobs created by the quarry.
Construction Jobs in 2017
New Jersey: Up 3.8 percent, 5,700 jobs.
New York: Up 2.2 percent, 8,100 jobs.
Pennsylvania: Up 3.5 percent, 8,300 jobs.
Source: Associated General Contractors.
Some numbers have been rounded for ease of reporting.
East North Central
The East North Central Region Produced 89.2 Mt of Total Aggregates, a 6.4 Percent Year-Over-Year Decrease.
By Mark S. Kuhar
The East North Central region as identified by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) consists of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.
In the second quarter of 2017, the most recent report available from USGS, the East North Central region produced 89.2 million metric tons (Mt) of total aggregates, a 6.4 percent decrease versus the second quarter of 2016.
That followed first-quarter production of 43.1 Mt, an increase of 1.2 percent versus the first quarter of 2016.
Individual state production of aggregates in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Illinois: 17 Mt, a decrease of 13.3 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Indiana: 17.6 Mt, a decrease of 2.4 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Michigan: 23 Mt, a decrease of 3.7 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Ohio: 23.7 Mt, a decrease of 8.3 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Wisconsin: 5.2 Mt, a decrease of 5.2 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Crushed stone production in the second quarter of 2017 in the East North Central was 57.9 Mt.
Individual state production of crushed stone in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Illinois: 13.2 Mt, a decrease of 12.1 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Indiana: 12.8 Mt, a decrease of 4 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Michigan: 8.9 Mt, a decrease of 13.4 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Ohio: 15.2 Mt, a decrease of 10 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Wisconsin: 7.8 Mt, a decrease of 0.6 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Sand and gravel production in the second quarter of 2017 in the East North Central was 31.3 Mt.
Individual state production of sand and gravel in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Illinois: 3.8 Mt, a decrease of 17.3 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Indiana: 4.8 Mt, an increase of 2.2 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Michigan: 14.1 Mt, an increase of 3.6 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Ohio: 8.6 Mt, a decrease of 5.1 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Wisconsin: Data unreported for the second quarter of 2017.
Construction Activity
Although it is not an apples-to-apples regional comparison, Dodge Data and Analytics reports that total construction starts in the Midwest during the January-October period of 2017 were down 12 percent. Among the top 10 states in terms of the dollar amount of highway and bridge construction starts were Ohio and Illinois. During the first 10 months of 2017, one of the top five markets ranked by the dollar amount of multifamily starts was Chicago.
Recent Dodge Reports have noted several major projects in the East North Central region, including the $500 million renovation of the Willis Tower, the $360 million Wolf Point East apartment tower, and the $200 million multifamily portion of a $240 million multifamily/hotel mixed-use high-rise in Chicago; a $65 million K-12 school building in Columbia City, Ind.; and an Amazon distribution center in North Randall, Ohio.
Legislative
Michigan’s state-maintained roads and bridges are expected to continue to deteriorate. The condition of state-maintained roads is projected to deteriorate significantly over the next five years, with the share of lane miles in poor condition increasing from 20 percent in 2016 to 46 percent by 2020. The Michigan Department of Transportation estimates that, based on available funding, the number of state-maintained bridges rated in poor condition will increase by 50 percent between 2016 and 2023.
The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association and the Michigan Aggregates Association recently paired up to confront misguided legislation that would have had a serious impact on Detroit operations.
Wisconsin communities continue to fight against the expansion of frac sand operations, which are now seeking to grow as the market begins to look favorable based on higher oil prices.
Construction Jobs in 2017
- Illinois: Down 1.6 percent, -3,500 jobs.
- Indiana: Up 2.3 percent, 3,000 jobs.
- Michigan: Up 2.1 percent, 3,300 jobs.
- Ohio: Up 4.7 percent, 4,700 jobs.
- Wisconsin: Up 1.6 percent, 1,800 jobs.
Source: Associated General Contractors.
Some numbers have been rounded for ease of reporting.
West North Central
The West North Central Region Produced 68.9 Mt of Total Aggregates, a 2.1 Percent Year-Over-Year Decrease.
By Mark S. Kuhar
The West North Central region as identified by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) consists of Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
In the second quarter of 2017, the most recent report available from USGS, the West North Central region produced 68.9 million metric tons (Mt) of total aggregates, a 2.1 percent decrease versus the second quarter of 2016. That followed first-quarter production of 31 Mt, a decrease of 13.4 percent versus the first quarter of 2016.
Individual state production of aggregates in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Iowa: 13.3 Mt, a decrease of 2.8 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Kansas: 6.3 Mt, a decrease of 10.4 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Minnesota: 14.7 Mt, an increase of 0.6 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Missouri: 17 Mt, a decrease of 13.3 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Nebraska: 5.4 Mt, a decrease of 0.8 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- North Dakota: Data unreported.
- South Dakota: 6.6 Mt, an increase of 12.2 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Crushed stone production in the second quarter of 2017 in the West North Central was 36.5 Mt.
Individual state production of crushed stone in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Iowa: 11.5 Mt, a decrease of 4.2 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Kansas: 4.2 Mt, a decrease of 4.8 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Minnesota: 2.2 Mt, an increase of 1.8 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Missouri: 14.1 Mt, a decrease of 0.5 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Nebraska: 2 Mt, a decrease of 1.0 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- North Dakota: Data unreported.
- South Dakota: 2.4 Mt, a decrease of 2.3 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Sand and gravel production in the second quarter of 2017 in the West North Central was 32.4 Mt.
Individual state production of sand and gravel in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Iowa: 4.8 Mt, a decrease of 0.8 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Kansas: 2 Mt, a decrease of 20.3 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Minnesota: 12.5 Mt, an increase of 0.5 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Missouri: 3 Mt, a decrease of 8.1 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Nebraska: 3.4 Mt, a decrease of 0.6 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- North Dakota: 2.5 Mt, a decrease of 20.5 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- South Dakota: 4.2 Mt, an increase of 18.9 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Construction Activity
Although it is not an apples-to-apples regional comparison, Dodge Data and Analytics reports that total construction starts in the Midwest during the January-October period of 2017 were down 12 percent.
Recent Dodge Reports have noted several major projects in the West North Central region, including a $322 million I-74 bridge replacement across the Mississippi River in Davenport, Iowa; large power plant projects in Minnesota ($300 million) and Nebraska ($150 million); a $280 million poultry processing plant in Fremont, Neb.; and a $130 million water treatment facility in North Dakota.
Legislative
On Oct. 18, U.S. Congressman Rod Blum (R-Iowa) and State Representative Kristi Hager toured the Pattison Sand Co. operations in Clayton, Iowa.
MSHA
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported that a haul truck driver was fatally injured on Jan. 25 when he crossed over a berm that barricaded off the North 40 West 35 area at the Linwood Mine in Davenport, Iowa, to search for crystals. A portion of the rib collapsed, burying him. This was the first fatality in the Metal/Nonmetal sector in 2017.
Construction Jobs in 2017
- Iowa: Down 6.6 percent, –5,300 jobs.
- Kansas: Up 3.5 percent, 2,200 jobs.
- Minnesota: Up 4.5 percent, 5,100 jobs.
- Missouri: Down 4.8 percent, -5,800 jobs.
- Nebraska: Down 2.1 percent, -1,100 jobs
- North Dakota: Down 3.9 percent, -1,300 jobs.
- South Dakota: Down 1.3 percent, -300 jobs.
Source: Associated General Contractors.
Some numbers have been rounded for ease of reporting.
South Atlantic
The South Atlantic Region Produced 97.5 Mt of Total Aggregates, a 0.2 Percent Year-Over-Year Increase.
By Josephine Smith
The South Atlantic region as identified by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) consists of Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.
In the second quarter of 2017, the most recent report available from USGS, the South Atlantic region produced 97.5 million metric tons (Mt) of total aggregates, a 0.2 percent increase versus the second quarter of 2016. That followed first-quarter production of 82.3 Mt, an increase of 3.1 percent versus the first quarter of 2016.
Individual state production of aggregates in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Delaware: Withheld.
- Florida: 24.6 Mt, an increase of 4.2 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Georgia: 15.4 Mt, a decrease of 11.1 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Maryland: 8.5 Mt, an increase of 15 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- North Carolina: 17.9 Mt, a decrease of 1.6 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- South Carolina: 10.3 Mt, a decrease of 2.4 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Virginia: 15 Mt, an increase of 2.5 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- West Virginia: 5.2 Mt, an increase of 5.2 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Crushed stone production in the second quarter of 2017 in the South Atlantic region was 80.3 Mt.
Individual state production of crushed stone in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Delaware: Withheld.
- Florida: 19.3 Mt, an increase of 2.1 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Georgia: 13.6 Mt, a decrease of 11.9 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Maryland: 6.7 Mt, an increase of 18.6 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- North Carolina: 15.3 Mt, a decrease of 3.1 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- South Carolina: 7.68 Mt, a decrease of 1.5 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Virginia: 12.9 Mt, an increase of 1.5 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- West Virginia: 4.9 Mt, an increase of 2.1 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Sand and gravel production in the second quarter of 2017 in the South Atlantic region was 17.25 Mt.
Individual state production of sand and gravel in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Delaware: 517,000 t, a decrease of 1.1 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Florida: 53 Mt, an increase of 4.6 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Georgia: 1.8 Mt, a decrease of 4.9 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Maryland: 1.9 Mt, an increase of 3.8 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- North Carolina: 2.6 Mt, an increase of 8.8 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- South Carolina: 2.6 Mt, a decrease of 4.9 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Virginia: 2.1 Mt, an increase of 8.7 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- West Virginia: 309,000 t, an increase of 104.2 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Construction Activity
Although it is not an apples-to-apples regional comparison, Dodge Data and Analytics reports that total construction starts in the South Atlantic during the January-October period of 2017 were up 3 percent. Single-family housing was up 11 percent. Among the top states in terms of the dollar amount of highway and bridge construction starts are Florida, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia.
Recent Dodge Reports have noted several major projects in the South Atlantic region, including a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino expansion in Hollywood, Fla.; a bridge replacement in the Pensacola, Fla., area; the $440 State Farm Park Center office complex in Dunwoody, Ga.; a $75 high school in the Raleigh, N.C., area; a retail high-rise in Charlotte, N.C.; the $756 Chesapeake Bay Bridge Parallel Tunnel in Virginia Beach, Va.; a toll lanes project in Alexandria, Va.; and a $118 Hilton hotel in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Legislative
In Pinellas County, Fla., a renewal of a 1-cent countywide sales tax will provide a total of $412 for road, bridge and trail projects
Construction Jobs
- Delaware: Up 1.5 percent, 300 jobs.
- Florida: Up 7.4 percent, 35,600 jobs.
- Georgia: Up 0.4 percent, 800 jobs.
- Maryland: Up 5.2 percent, 8,400 jobs.
- North Carolina: Down 1.6 percent, -3,300 jobs.
- South Carolina: Down 0.2 percent, –200 jobs.
- Virginia: Up 1.2 percent, 2,300 jobs.
- West Virginia: Up 8.2 percent, 2,400 jobs.
Source: Associated General Contractors.
Some numbers have been rounded for ease of reporting.
East South Central
The East South Central Region Produced 46.8 Mt of Total Aggregates, a 3.9 Percent Year-Over-Year Increase.
By Josephine Smith
The East South Central region as identified by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) consists of Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee.
In the second quarter of 2017, the most recent report available from USGS, the East South Central Region produced 46.8 million metric tons (Mt) of total aggregates, a 3.9 percent increase versus the second quarter of 2016.
That followed first-quarter production of 31 Mt, an increase of 0.6 percent versus the first quarter of 2016.
Individual state production of aggregates in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Alabama: State not included in quarterly survey.
- Kentucky: 18.9 Mt, an increase of 23.7 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Mississippi: 3.6 Mt, a decrease of 0.2 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Tennessee: 14.2 Mt, a decrease of 3.9 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Crushed stone production in the second quarter of 2017 in the East South Central region was 35.8 Mt.
Individual state production of crushed stone in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Alabama: 10 Mt, a decrease of 11.2 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Kentucky: 13.3 Mt, an increase of 1.1 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Mississippi: 561,000 metric tons (t), a decrease of 12.4 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Tennessee: 12 Mt, a decrease of 2.5 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Sand and gravel production in the second quarter of 2017 in the East South Central region was 10.9 Mt.
Individual state production of sand and gravel in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Alabama: State not included in quarterly survey.
- Kentucky: 5.6 Mt, an increase of 207.52 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Mississippi: 3.1 Mt, an increase of 2.42 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Tennessee: 2.3 Mt, a decrease of 10.7 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Construction Activity
Although it is not an apples-to-apples regional comparison, Dodge Data and Analytics reports that total construction starts in the South Central during the January-October period of 2017 were down 5 percent. Through the first eight months of 2017, Alabama ranked number 12 on the list of the top states in terms of the dollar amount of highway and bridge construction.
Recent Dodge Reports have noted several major projects in the East South Central region, including a $113 million criminal justice center complex in Nashville; a $200 million hospital in Oxford, Miss.; a $240 million expansion to the Lexington Convention Center in Lexington, Ky.; a $135 million Wal-Mart distribution center in Mobile, Ala.; the $230 million North Alabama Medical Center in Florence, Ala.; and a $475 million bridge replacement in Birmingham, Ala.
Legislative
Roads and bridges that are deteriorated, congested or lack some desirable safety features cost Kentucky motorists a total of $4 billion statewide annually – as much as $1,899 per driver in some urban areas – due to higher vehicle operating costs, traffic crashes and congestion-related delays, according to TRIP, a Washington, D.C.-based national transportation organization.
The TRIP report, “Kentucky Transportation by the Numbers: Meeting the State’s Need for Safe, Smooth and Efficient Mobility,” finds that throughout Kentucky, 16 percent of major, locally and state-maintained urban roads are in poor condition and 8 percent of Kentucky’s locally and state-maintained bridges are structurally deficient.
MSHA
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported the ninth fatality of 2017 in the metal/nonmetal sector. The Fall of Material incident happened at Argos USA’s Roberta cement plant in Alabama. On Sept. 20, a contractor was fatally injured while rappelling within a conditioning tower. The victim was examining the inside of a 300-ft. vertical conditioning tower when an object fell from above and struck him in the head. The victim was conscious and transported to a local hospital where he died of his injuries the next day.
Construction Jobs
- Alabama: Up 5.3 percent, 3,500 jobs.
- Kentucky: Up 7.3 percent, 5,600 jobs.
- Mississippi: Up 0.2 percent, 100 jobs.
- Tennessee: Up 4.2 percent, 5,100 jobs.
Source: Associated General Contractors.
Some numbers have been rounded for ease of reporting.
West South Central
The West South Central Region Produced 85.9 Mt of Total Aggregates, a 1.9 Percent Year-Over-Year Increase.
By Mark S. Kuhar
The West South Central region as identified by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) consists of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.
In the second quarter of 2017, the most recent report available from USGS, the West South Central Region produced 85.9 million metric tons (Mt) of total aggregates, a 1.9 percent increase versus the second quarter of 2016.
That followed first-quarter production of 80 Mt, a decrease of of 5.4 percent versus the first quarter of 2016.
Individual state production of aggregates in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Arkansas: 9.4 Mt, a decrease of 2.3 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Louisiana: Withheld.
- Oklahoma: 11.9 Mt, a decrease of 3.7 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Texas: 60.8 Mt, an increase of 5.6 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Crushed stone production in the second quarter of 2017 in the West South Central region was 59.8 Mt.
Individual state production of crushed stone in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Arkansas: 7.8 Mt, a decrease of 2.5 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Louisiana: Withheld.
- Oklahoma: 9.0 Mt, a decrease of 4.0 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Texas: 42.3 Mt, an increase of 6.2 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Sand and gravel production in the second quarter of 2017 in the West South Central region was 26 Mt.
Individual state production of sand and gravel in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Arkansas: 1.1 Mt, a decrease of 1.1 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Louisiana: 3 Mt, a decrease of 21.5 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Oklahoma: 2.9 Mt, a decrease of 2.6 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Texas: 18.5 Mt, an increase of 4.1 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Construction Activity
Although it is not an apples-to-apples regional comparison, Dodge Data and Analytics reports that total construction starts in the South Central during the January-October period of 2017 were down 5 percent. During the first 10 months of 2017, the top state in terms of the dollar amount of highway and bridge construction starts was Texas. Single-family housing in the South Central region during the first 10 months of 2017 was up 8 percent. Multifamily starts in Dallas-Ft. Worth were down 37 percent.
Recent Dodge Reports have noted several major projects in the West South Central region, including a $101 million high school in Little Rock, Ark.; a $1.8 billion methane plant in Louisiana; a $203 million power plant project in Arkansas; a $183 million hospital in Frisco, Texas; a $1.1 billion retractable roof ballpark for the Texas. Construction activity is also in full swing to rebuild the hurricane-ravaged Houston area.
Legislative
Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas), chairman of the House Rules Committee, visited Martin Marietta’s Southwest, Cement and Southwest Ready Mix divisional headquarters office in Dallas on Aug. 23.
Despite legislative and community opposition to frac sand plants in sand-rich Wisconsin, in Texas a frac sand boom is underway. Fairmont-Santrol recently announced plans for a new facility near Kermit, Texas; Vista Proppants & Logistics has commenced commercial transload operations in Pecos, Texas; Hi-Crush Partners LP has commenced operations at its new Pecos, Texas, terminal; U.S. Silica Holdings Inc. announced that it plans to build a second, state-of-the-art frac sand mine and plant in west Texas; Preferred Sands has purchased more than 4,000 acres in northern Atascosa and southern Bexar counties in Texas; and Twin Eagle Sand Logistics LLC is constructing 30,000 tons of silo capacity in Big Spring, Texas, just to name a few developments.
MSHA
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported that an independent owner/operator truck driver walked behind his raised end-dump trailer, while dumping his load and was engulfed by sand at a Trinity Industries sand and gravel operation in Texas. This was the second metal/nonmetal fatality of 2017.
Construction Jobs
- Arkansas: Up 3.8 percent, 1,900 jobs.
- Louisiana: Up 5 percent, 7,100 jobs.
- Oklahoma: Up 7.5 percent, 5,800 jobs.
- Texas: Up 2.4 percent, 17,200 jobs.
Source: Associated General Contractors.
Some numbers have been rounded for ease of reporting.
Mountain
The Mountain Region Produced 72.4 Mt of Total Aggregates, a 1.2 Percent Year-Over-Year Decrease.
By Josephine Smith
The Mountain region as identified by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) consists of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.
In the second quarter of 2017, the most recent report available from USGS, the Mountain region produced 72.4 million metric tons (Mt) of total aggregates, a 1.2 percent decrease versus the second quarter of 2016.
That followed first-quarter production of 41.3 Mt, an increase of 4.6 percent versus the first quarter of 2016.
Individual state production of aggregates in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Arizona: 12.7 Mt, an increase of 1.2 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Colorado: 13.8 Mt, an increase of 14.6 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Idaho: State not included in quarterly survey.
- Montana: State not included in quarterly survey.
- New Mexico: 4.5 Mt, an increase of 18 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Nevada: 12.4 Mt, an increase of 32.3 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Utah: 12.7 Mt, a decrease of 32.8 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Wyoming: 7.6 Mt, a decrease of 19.3 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Crushed stone production in the second quarter of 2017 in the Mountain region was 21.2 Mt.
Individual state production of crushed stone in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Arizona: 2.4 Mt, a decrease of 6.9 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Colorado: 4.3 Mt, an increase of 30.5 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Idaho: State not included in quarterly survey.
- Montana: State not included in quarterly survey.
- New Mexico: 1.7 Mt, an increase of 10.7 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Nevada: 5.4 Mt, an increase of 46.9 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Utah: 2.7 Mt, a decrease of 18.7 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Wyoming: 4.8 Mt, a decrease of 11.6 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Sand and gravel production in the second quarter of 2017 in the Mountain Region was 51.3 Mt.
Individual state production of sand and gravel in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Arizona: 10.3 Mt, an increase of 3.3 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Colorado: 9.5 Mt, an increase of 8.7 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Idaho: 5.3 Mt, an increase of 56.7 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Montana: 3.5 Mt, an increase of 5.9 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- New Mexico: 2.8 Mt, an increase of 22.8 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Nevada: 7.04 Mt, an increase of 22.9 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Utah: 10.0 Mt, a decrease of 38.1 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Wyoming: 2.8 Mt, a decrease of 29.8 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Construction Activity
Although it is not an apples-to-apples regional comparison, Dodge Data and Analytics reports that total construction starts in the West during the January-October period of 2017 were up 2 percent.
Recent Dodge Reports have noted several major projects in the Mountain region, including $90 million renovation project at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, the $342 million hotel portion of the $500 million Resorts World Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, and an Amazon distribution center in Thornton, Colo.
Legislative
Voters in Pinal County, Ariz., approved a half-cent sales tax that will total $640 million for highway construction over the next 20 years. Voters in Denver also approved a measure to provide a $415.5 million bond to fund road and bridge repairs as part of a larger $937 million bond package that voters signed off on.
MSHA
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported a fatality that occurred on March 24, 2017, at the Bonito Pit in New Mexico. The victim exited his personal flatbed truck, which pinned him against a genset trailer. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. It was the third fatality of 2017.
Construction Jobs
- Arizona: Up 3.2 percent, 3,000 jobs.
- Colorado: Up 2.3 percent, 3,500 jobs
- Idaho: Up 4.5 percent, 1,900 jobs.
- Montana: Up 5.7 percent, 1,500 jobs.
- New Mexico: Up 4.7 percent, 2,000 jobs.
- Nevada: Up 13.6 percent, 10,600 jobs.
- Utah: Up 4.5 percent, 4,500 jobs.
- Wyoming: Up 1.5 percent, 300 jobs.
Source: Associated General Contractors.
Some numbers have been rounded for ease of reporting.
Pacific
The Pacific Region Produced 59.7 Mt of Total Aggregates, a 9.7 Percent Year-Over-Year Increase.
By Josephine Smith
The Pacific region as identified by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) consists of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington.
In the second quarter of 2017, the most recent report available from USGS, the Pacific region produced 59.7 million metric tons (Mt) of total aggregates, a 9.7 percent increase versus the second quarter of 2016.
That followed first-quarter production of 36.5 Mt, a decrease of 10.0 percent versus the first quarter of 2016.
Individual state production of aggregates in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Alaska: State not included in quarterly survey.
- California: 36.1 Mt, an increase of 6.3 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Hawaii: State not included in quarterly survey.
- Oregon: 9.8 Mt, an increase of 1.2 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Washington: 15 Mt, an increase of 2.5 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Crushed stone production in the second quarter of 2017 in the Pacific region was 19.9 Mt.
Individual state production of crushed stone in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Alaska: State not included in quarterly survey.
- California: 9.9 Mt, an increase of 4.0 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Hawaii: State not included in quarterly survey.
- Oregon: 5.6 Mt, an increase of 2.6 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Washington: 4.3 Mt, an increase of 20.6 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Sand and gravel production in the second quarter of 2017 in the Pacific region was 39.8 Mt.
Individual state production of sand and gravel in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Alaska: State not included in quarterly survey.
- California: 26.2 Mt, an increase of 7.3 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Hawaii: State not included in quarterly survey.
- Oregon: 4.2 Mt, an increase of 27.8 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
- Washington: 9.5 Mt, an increase of 16.5 percent versus the second quarter of 2016.
Construction Activity
Although it is not an apples-to-apples regional comparison, Dodge Data and Analytics reports that total construction starts in the West during the January-October period of 2017 were up 2 percent.
Recent Dodge Reports have noted several major projects in the Pacific region, including two Amazon distribution centers located Portland, Ore. ($85 million) and Troutdale. Ore. ($64 million); the $148 million expansion of the Pala Casino Spa and Resort in Pala, Calif.; a $243 million neuroscience building at the University of California San Francisco, the $95 million Four Seasons Napa Resort in Calistoga, Calif.; a $1.3 billion natural gas-fired power plant in California; the $229 million Federal Inspection Services facility at San Diego International Airport; $90 million for airport security infrastructure at San Francisco International Airport; and a $225 million rail transit project in Bellevue, Wash.
Legislative
James Roberts, president and CEO of Granite Construction, spoke at a hearing of the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit on Oct. 11. “It is time to address infrastructure issues that have been ignored for decades,” he told members of the Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee. “Part of the large congestion problem that we have across the country is the fact that we haven’t properly maintained the systems that we have today.”
MSHA
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported a fatality that occurred on July 14, when a part-time mine employee at a EP Management plant in Oregon was moving irrigation pipe by hand and was electrocuted when the pipe came in contact with high voltage transmission lines overhead. It was the fifth fatality of 2017.
Construction Jobs
Individual state production of aggregates in the second quarter of 2017 was:
- Alaska: Down 0.6 percent, –100 jobs.
- California: Up 5.7 percent, 44,400 jobs.
- Hawaii: Up 1.6 percent, 600 jobs.
- Oregon: Up 11.5 percent, 10,700 jobs.
- Washington: Up 5.5 percent, 10,500 jobs.
Source: Associated General Contractors.
Some numbers have been rounded for ease of reporting.