FEATURED NEWS

In Case You Missed it...

Governor DeWine signed the fiscal year 2025-2026 biennial budget bill. Nearly 7,000 pages in length, this legislation provides funding for the majority of state agencies and programs (excluding ODOT). The majority of infrastructure funding and policy items are usually found in the separate biennial transportation budget, which was approved in March. However this session there are a few items of interest for the heavy/highway industry in the general budget bill. They are:

1. Connect4Ohio program - Funded with $500 million in surplus general revenue funds, this program is meant to provide funding for unfunded TRAC projects in rural areas.

2. Manufacturing and Construction Mentorship Program – The bill expanded the current Manufacturing Mentorship Program to include construction. This program allows 16 and 17 year olds to work in manufacturing and with approval of this bill, construction. Program rules, consistent with federal law, will be provided by the Ohio Department of Commerce. The authorizing language states that minors may participate as long as they have a valid drivers license and receive a ten-hour OSHA safety course. In addition, the minors may be subject to a drug screening. OCA, AGC of Ohio, the building trades, and our labor partners have routinely opposed expanding this program to construction. Participation would be voluntary.

ATTENTION OCA MEMBERS

OCA is seeking a few guest articles for our e-newsletter from our law, finance and risk management members covering various current industry topics and trends. Topics include those related to recruiting, safety, risk-management and construction law. If you would like to submit an article, please email the complete article (three to five paragraphs) to [email protected] and your article will be reviewed for publication. If OCA chooses to publish the article or has questions about it, we will notify the submitter.

New Opportunities in Southeast Ohio - Abandoned Mine Lands

There is an upcoming virtual webinar about new possibilities for heavy construction work in Ohio. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which passed in 2021, created huge new opportunities for environmental cleanup work. This webinar will be geared towards explaining how much funding is coming to Ohio regarding Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) and Orphan Well projects, how to bid and win these contracts along with job opportunities which require Davis-Bacon wages and a skilled workforce.

The webinar is open to anyone who would like to attend and learn more about these exciting opportunities.

Application Period for the 2023-2024 OCA Future Leaders Forum Closing Soon - There are a few spots remaining.

The July 31 deadline is approaching quickly and there are still a few spots open to join this leadership development program. Click below for full details and access to the application.

"The most beneficial aspect of the Future Leaders Forum to me was the ability to network and build relationships with other industry leaders that I will be working with over the next few decades"

Mike Guzzo, Project Manager, Double Z Construction.

2023 Sustainability Conference September 19-21

Ohio EPA will also be hosting the 2023 Sustainability Conference Sept. 19-21. This free, virtual conference will showcase sustainability efforts and perspectives representing all sizes of businesses, communities, academic institutions, and sustainability-focused organizations. During the conference, attendees will hear from Ohio’s sustainability leaders, eager to share their insight for how they've gone above and beyond to encourage, implement, and celebrate sustainable practices in their organizations.

Chapter Updates

The OCA Columbus Chapter Golf Outing was held recently at New Albany Country Club. A great day was had with a full golf course and we appreciate those who supported the event by golfing and sponsoring!

The winning golf team from Turn-Key Tunneling, along with several contest and prize drawing winners were awarded. In addition to a great day of golf, nearly $2,500 was raised for the OCA Columbus Chapter Scholarship fund.

Free Webinar - OSHA's National Emphasis Programs

OCA in partnership with member Mike Pascoe of Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP, is offering a free webinar to our members on July 26th. This webinar will provide updates on OSHA’s national emphasis programs on heat, fall protection and trenching as well as a high-level overview of what is on the horizon with OSHA.

To register simply click here and complete the information. Once registered, a Zoom link will be sent to you for attendance to the webinar.

Don’t’ miss out on this informational packed session!

Please contact Dave Coniglio ([email protected]) with any questions you may have.