A G C o f N H ’ s H o l i d a y W i s h L i s t f o r 2 0 1 5 P a g e 7

DOT 2014 Project Awards Down Twelve Percent

Register Now for AGC’s 65th Annual Meeting

ConstructionConnections

The Newsletter of the Associated General Contractors of New HampshireNovember 24, 2014

...because we can cover them all.

No Job Too Big

Serving New EnglandSince 1966

Concord, NHPortland, ME

Bennington, VT

INSURANCE • BONDS • BENEFITS...an Assurex Global Partner

1-800-238-3840 www.rowleyagency.com

Contents

November 24, 2014 p NH Construction Connections p 3

Industry News

4 AGC of NH Asks EPA to Withdraw its “Waters of the U.S. Proposal”

4 The Appeals Process Works

10 Updates to OSHA’s Recordkeeping Rule: Reporting Fatal i t ies and Severe Injuries

15 NHDES’ Updated Rainfal l Data

15 BAF Educational Fund Responds to U.S. Decline in Global Competit iveness Rankings

Association News

11 AGC of NH Highway Committee Meets with NHDES and Highway Maintenance Officials

11 Help Now: Donate to A Safer Road to Tomorrow

11 2015 Lunch and Learn Series

12 AGC of NH Annual Meeting Sponsorship

13 AGC of NH Annual Meeting Registration

14 AGC of NH Committee Sign Up Form

Construction Connections (USPS 389-890) is published bi-weekly by the Associated General Contractors of New Hamphsire Inc. 48 Grandview Road, Bow, NH 03304. Annual subscription rate is four copies per Active membership, eight copies per Active membership paying the maximum dues amount, and two copies per Associate membership. Annual subscription rate is $200. Members can purchase annual printed subscriptions for $100 each. Unused sub-scriptions will be distributed at the discretion of the Chapter Office Executive Vice President. Periodical postage paid at Concord, NH 03301. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire, 48 Grandview Road, Bow, NH 03304 or contact us at (603) 225-2701 or fax (603) 226-3859.

DOT 2014 Project Awards Down Twelve Percent

Page 9

AGC of NH’s Holiday Wish List for 2015Page 7

Annual Meeting Registration Now OpenPage 13

Industry News

AGC of NH Joins US Chamber of Commerce Asking EPA to Withdraw its “Waters of the U.S.” ProposalOn November 12th, the AGC of NH joined with more than 300 trade associations and chambers from 50 states representing a wide range of industries to voice strong concerns with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ flawed proposed rule to dramatically expand the scope of federal authority over water and land uses across the U.S. and called for the proposal to be withdrawn. The effort was led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

As the groups’ comments state, “The proposed rule is really about the Agencies’ overreaching attempt to replace longstanding state and local control of land uses near water with centralized federal control. In light of the overwhelming evidence that the proposed rule would have a devastating impact on businesses, states, and local governments without any real benefit to water quality, the Agencies should immediately withdraw the waters of the U.S. proposal and begin again. The current proposed rule is simply too procedurally and legally flawed to repair.”

The comments detail several examples of the impacts of the proposed rule, including:

• Maps prepared by EPA show the rule could expand federal jurisdiction over waters from 3.5 million river and stream miles to well over 8 million river and stream miles;• The rule would make most ditches into “tributaries.” Routine maintenance activities in ditches and on-site ponds and impoundments could trigger permits that can cost $100,000 or more;• These permitting requirements would likely trigger additional environmental reviews that would add years to the completion time for ordinary projects; • Even if a project can get a permit, firms will often have to agree to mitigate environmental “damage” with costly restoration/mitigation projects;• The proposal would likely also result in more stringent storm water management requirements, which would affect retailers, companies with large parking lots, “big box” stores, etc.

Of the 375 groups to sign onto the joint letter, the other New Hampshire organization was the NH Timberland Owners Association. AGC will continue to report on the issue and oppose the revision to ensure that the voice of the construction industry is heard.

4 p NH Construction Connections p November 24, 2014

The NH Unemployment Appeal Process WorksTo help employers keep their workers informed about the unemployment system and their legal rights, we’ve reprinted information from a pamphlet published by New Hampshire Legal Assistance explaining the appeals process. If an individual is denied unemployment by NH Employment Security, he or she can choose to appeal the decision. Below is the appeal process as detailed in the pamphlet.

New Hampshire Legal Assistance Branch Law Offices www.nhla.org

Manchester: 1361 Elm Street, Suite 307, Manchester, NH 03101

668-2900 • 1-800-562-3174 Concord:

117 North State Street, Concord, NH 03301 223-9759 • 1-800-921-1115

Claremont: 24 Opera House Sq., Suite 206, Claremont, NH 03743

542-8795 • 1-800-562-3994Portsmouth:

154 High Street Portsmouth NH 03802 431-7411 • 1-800-334-3135

TTY - 7-1-1 or 1-800-735-2964 Email: officemanager@nhla.org

INITIAL DECISION – THE CERTIFYING OFFICER

1. The Earnings TestIf you become unemployed, you must report to Employment Security and apply for benefits. Employment Security will review your past earnings to see if you qualify for benefits. Make sure they have correct information about all your earnings, since it can affect your eligibility and the amount of your benefits. 2. Reason for Job LossIf you meet the earnings test, Employment Security will investigate the details of your job loss. They will interview you and explore the facts of your case. They will also talk with your employer. This fact-finding will form the basis for an initial decision on your claim made by an Employment Security Certifying Officer. The reason why you left your job is very important. Your eligibility may well depend on how Employment Security sees this event. The most common reasons for Employment Security to deny benefits involve cases in which the worker is accused of voluntarily quitting his/her job or committing misconduct at work.

November 24, 2014 p NH Construction Connections p 5

VOLUNTARY QUIT

Employment Security will generally find you ineligible for benefits if you voluntarily quit your job unless you left your job for good cause “attributable to the employer”. To demonstrate why a quit was “attributable to the employer”, you must explain the specific reasons you were forced to leave employment. Examples include the employer making your work situation unreasonably difficult, work conditions harmful to your health or safety, or negative changes in terms and conditions of your work, such as substantial reduction in pay or number of hours.

If you have to leave your job due to domestic violence, Employment Security should not deny your claim. They will investigate the facts, so it is important to let Employment Security know about the abuse. If you have other “good cause” for leaving your job, it is important to explain your reasons. If you believe you were racially or sexually harassed or discriminated against by your employer, Employment Security could find you had good cause to quit.

It is common for employers and workers to disagree about the circumstances leading to the end of employment. Your ability to present the facts of what happened can make a critical difference in whether you win or lose your claim.

MISCONDUCT

Employment Security may deny your claim for benefits if you were fired for misconduct on the job. Misconduct can include committing grossly negligent acts, insubordination, coming to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or fighting with co-workers.

In New Hampshire, it usually takes more than isolated or unintentional instances of poor conduct for a finding of misconduct. Recurring careless or negligent acts do add up to misconduct. A single act of misconduct may be enough for a finding of misconduct if it is a deliberate violation of a company rule reasonably designed to protect the legitimate business interests of the employer.

Again, each case is different and is based on the facts presented to Employment Security. You have the right to disagree with the certifying officer’s decision. You may appeal the decision and request a hearing. Do not assume the initial decision made by the certifying officer is always correct. The certifying officer may deny benefits if there is any reason to do so. That is why it is important to appeal and to use your right to have a hearing.

DISCHARGE BY THE EMPLOYER

Employment Security will usually allow claims for workers who were laid off or discharged for reasons other than misconduct. This includes the following situations:

• The employer fired you and there is no charge of misconduct, or • The employer lays you off because s/he is going out of business or reducing the number of employees, or

• The employer fired you for reasons: (a) not related to your job, or (b) because you were unable to do the job the way your employer wanted it done, or• The employer denies you the chance to return to your job after an absence due to illness or approved leave of absence.

THE APPEAL TRIBUNAL

If you appeal the certifying officer’s decision, you can request a hearing on the merits of your case. Employment Security will then schedule and hold an informal, administrative hearing on your case. The hearing is before Employment Security’s Appeal Tribunal.

Preparing for the hearing. Under RSA 275:56 you have a right to a copy of your entire personnel file. You must request it from your employer. If the employer refuses to provide you with a copy of your file you can write to: Inspector Division, Dept. of Labor, PO Box 2076, Concord, NH 03302. Include the name of your ex-employer and describe any attempts to get your file. Also, Emp 207.24 allows you to ask in writing, from the Dept. of Employment Security and your ex- employer, for a list of witnesses that might testify for your employer and exhibits your ex-employer might use.

The Appeal Tribunal offers an important opportunity for “claimants.” (the unemployed person seeking benefits). You have the opportunity to tell your side of the story. It is important to do a good job here because any further appeal is based on the record made at the Appeal Tribunal hearing. The hearing officer, called the Appeal Tribunal Chairperson, is not bound by the certifying officer’s decision and will take a fresh look at your case. She/he will make a new decision based on testimony and evidence presented at the hearing. The hearing is tape-recorded. All the information you present at the Appeal Tribunal is the basis for any further appeal.

You have the right to bring an attorney to the hearing. You may want to retain a lawyer or paralegal to represent your interests if you are unsure about how well you can

“The Appeals Process Works” continued on page 8...

Richmond, VT802-434-4228

Hopkinton, NH603-746-4611

Call your sales representative or the nearest Milton CAT location.

OFFER GOOD FROM OCTOBER 1, 2014 THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2015.

HERE’S THE CATCH

www.miltoncat.com

• Get up to a $5,000 credit on your choice of a CAT work tool.

• Plus 0% for 48 months, and a three-year/5,000 hr. Powertrain and Hydraulic EPP,when you buy a new CAT Wheeled Excavator M313, M315, M316, M318, M320, M322.Or a new CAT Track Excavator 311, 312, 313, 314, 316, 318.

• Get up to $1,000 credit on the purchase of your second CAT work tool.

• Plus 0% for 48 months.

• And, no payment for the first three months, when you buy a new CAT Skid Steer Loader; Multi Terrain Loader; Compact Track Loader; Backhoe Loader; Compact Wheel Loader 914 and smaller; Wheel Loader 924, 930, 938; Mini Excavator 308 and smaller; Dozer D5 and smaller.

WORK TOOLS

RULEor

Promotional offer valid through Caterpillar Financial Services with credit approval.

MCworktoolsrule_Layout 1 10/10/14 10:02 AM Page 1

AGC of NH’s Holiday Wish List for 2015

November 24, 2014 p NH Construction Connections p 7

LEGISLATIVE AND AGENCY PRIORITIES

Washington

• Ceasingthenewdefinitionandexpandingauthorityof“WatersoftheUS”

• StoppingWetlandsmitigationratiosfrombecomingmorestringentyearafteryearwithoutlegislativeauthority

• FullyfundingtheHighwayTrustFundbytheMaydeadline

• ReformingDavis-Baconforsmallstates

• EliminatingPLAusebygovernmentagencies

NewHampshire

ImplementingaWorkersCompensationmedicalfeetable•

• MakingtheHighwayConstructionprogramapriorityinthestatebudget

• RestartingtheSchoolBuildingAidprogramafteryearsofnofunding

• AdoptinganenergypolicytoreducecostsforNHbusinessesbysupportingtheNorthernPassandincreasingnaturalgaspipelinecapacity

• LimitingWetlandsmitigationtothestateofNHratiosforcompensationandendingnegotiationcreep

• PuttinginplaceredevelopmentrulesforAlterationofTerrainpermits

• Prioritizingeffortstojump-starttheNHeconomyandincreaseemploymentinthestate

8 p NH Construction Connections pNovember 24, 2014

present your case or if the case is complex or difficult. New Hampshire Legal Assistance (NHLA) may be able to help with legal representation at no charge or give you legal advice about your case. You can call NHLA if you are denied benefits.At the Appeal Tribunal hearing, you should bring all witnesses who can help your case. For example, if you are accused of misconduct, it is helpful to bring former co-workers who can tell your side of the story. You also have the right to request and require witnesses to attend the hearing. You should contact the Appeal Tribunal Chairperson well before the hearing if you want to require a witness to testify.Bring any documents that can support your case. If you are accused of misconduct, it may be helpful to present job performance evaluations if they help your claim. If the employer gave you written warnings, you must be prepared to disprove or explain the allegations. You may want to introduce the employer’s work rules if the employer failed to follow proper rules. Think about what points you want to make and use witnesses and documents to support your side. You have a right to cross-examine any witnesses who testify against you. If the employer calls a witness to testify about events the witness did not personally witness, make sure to object to “hearsay” evidence. While the formal rules of evidence do not apply at an Appeal Tribunal hearing, that does not mean anything goes. The process must be fair.The Appeal Tribunal will issue a written decision after your hearing. Read it carefully. Either the employer or worker may appeal an unfavorable decision. If you believe there is a legal error or if the decision lacks support on the facts, pinpoint the errors as specifically as possible.

FURTHER APPEALS If you lose at the Appeal Tribunal, you have the right to appeal further. You have 14 days to appeal in writing to the Commissioner of Employment Security to ask for a reopening within 14 days of the date the Appeal Tribunal decision was mailed to you. In your reopening request to the Commissioner, you should explain the mistakes you believe the Appeal Tribunal made. If the Commissioner denies reopening, you have 14 days to appeal in writing to the Appellate Board. At the Appellate Board, you will have a chance to explain why the decisions on your case have been incorrect. You may make an oral argument before the three-person Appellate Board as well as present a written argument. If the Appellate Board denies your appeal, you must ask the Board in writing to reconsider if you want to appeal further. If you lose at all these stages, you still have a right to appeal to the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Don’t be discouraged if you are denied benefits at first. The appeal system can work. You can sometimes get the decision overturned. While your case is being appealed, you must continue to file your claim with Employment Security regularly and do a job search. You must do so to collect back benefits if you win the appeal.

If the employer appeals Employment Security’s decision to grant you benefits, you have the right to continue receiving benefits until the Appeal Tribunal decides your case. If the Appeal Tribunal rules against you, you will have to pay back the money unless you win at the next level of appeal.

THE AVAILABILITY REQUIREMENT After you leave your job, Employment Security requires you to be available and seeking permanent full-time work. They can deny you if they conclude you have done an inadequate job search. While “total” availability for work is not required, it is important to do an adequate job search. You must be available for all shifts and hours where there is a “market” for your services. Employment Security will typically look at your recent past work to make a determination of your job market. Make a list of employers you speak to and dates you look for work. Employment Security requires that workers have a record of their job search. You can be denied benefits for any week you fail to perform an adequate job search. Make sure you can document your efforts. If you are unable to work full-time because of medical or psychological reasons, you may still be eligible for benefits. You must still be available for some work, but you will have an opportunity to explain to Employment Security the reasons for any limitation on work. You can present evidence from your treating physician. Also, if you are only available for part-time work, there are some circumstances where you might be eligible for benefits. If you can be available 20 hours a week and the reason for your limited availability is either childcare or caring for a sick or elderly relative, you might be eligible. It is important to explain these circumstances to Employment Security.

TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

If you lose your job or have your hours cut back because of increased foreign imports, you may be eligible for additional assistance. The Federal Trade Adjustment Assistance law provides unemployment benefits for up to a year after unemployment benefits end. The program also provides significant training. Talk to the people at Employment Security about this program if you think you might be eligible or contact NHLA if you have a question about eligibility.

“Industry News” continued on page 15...

... “The Appeals Process Works” continued from page 5.

The Final Report of the 2014 Advertising Schedule for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NH DOT) was re-leased, showing a decrease in dollar amounts from 2013.

The total amount reported for the 2014 Fiscal Year was $174 million. These numbers show that highway construction projects have decreased about 12% in the last year. The 2014 amount is the lowest it’s been since 2006. This year’s total also fell slightly below the projected amount, which was $176 million.

The chart below shows a 9-year span beginning in 2006, one year after the recession began. The column shows the total amount awarded for each fiscal year. FY 2009 has a near double increase due to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Other-wise, there was a strong 13% average growth per year until 2013.

A total of eighty-two projects were awarded in 2014, up from seventy-three in 2013. Only 5 were under $100,000. Thirty-six were under $1 million, 37 were between $1-5 million, and 7 were over $5 million. There were only 2 projects to surpass $10 million, with the highest award just over $20 million, which went toward rehabilitating the Little Bay Bridges in Rochester-Dover. The quarter that saw the highest amount in 2014 was the third quarter, which accounted for 30% of the grand total. Approximately 52% of the total amount reported for 2014 were federal projects, while the Turnpike system projects total made up 20%.

The current advertising schedule for 2015 predicts a small increase to a total of $179 million, which is projected in the chart above based on today’s estimate.

To view the full advertising schedule, go to https://www.nh.gov/dot/org/projectdevelopment/planning/documents/Final-2014AdScheduleReport.pdf.

DOT 2014 Project Awards Down Twelve Percent

November 24, 2014 p NH Construction Connections p 9

$0  

$50,000,000  

$100,000,000  

$150,000,000  

$200,000,000  

$250,000,000  

$300,000,000  

$350,000,000  

2006   2007   2008   2009   2010   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015  

$148,670,500  

$178,573,800  $186,376,500  

$310,060,000  

$233,522,700  

$261,870,200    

$307,255,000    

$199,305,500    

$174,483,663    $179,214,900    

Updates to OSHA’s Recordkeeping Rule:Reporting Fatalities and Severe InjuriesOSHA’s updated recordkeeping rule expands the list of severe injuries that all employers must report to OSHA. Establishments located in states under Federal OSHA jurisdiction must begin to comply with the new requirements on January 1, 2015. Establishments located in states that operate their own safety and health programs should check with their state plan for the implementation date of the new requirements.

What am I required to report under the new rule?Previously, employers had to report the following to OSHA:

• All work-related fatalities • Work-related hospitalizations of three or more employees

Starting in 2015, employers will have to report the following to OSHA:

• All work-related fatalities • All work-related inpatient hospitalizations of one or more employees • All work-related amputations • All work-related losses of an eye

Who is covered under the new rule?All employers under OSHA jurisdiction must report all work-related fatalities, hospitalizations, amputations and losses of an eye to OSHA, even employers who are exempt from routinely keeping OSHA injury and illness records due to company size or industry.

An amputation is defined as the traumatic loss of a limb or other external body part. Amputations include a part, such as a limb or appendage, that has been severed, cut off, amputated (either completely or partially); fingertip amputations with or without bone loss; medical amputations resulting from irreparable damage; and amputations of body parts that have since been reattached.

How soon must I report a fatality or severe injury or illness?Employers must report work-related fatalities within 8 hours of finding out about them. Employers only have to report fatalities that occurred within 30 days of a work-related incident.

For any inpatient hospitalization, amputation, or eye loss employers must report the incident within 24 hours of learning about it. Employers only have to report an inpatient hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye that occurs within 24 hours of a work-related incident.

How do I report an event to OSHA?Employers have three options for reporting the event:

• By telephone to the nearest OSHA Area Office during normal business hours.

• By telephone to the 24-hour OSHA hotline at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).• OSHA is developing a new means of reporting events electronically, which will be available soon at www.osha.gov.

What information do I need to report?For any fatality that occurs within 30 days of a work-related incident, employers must report the event within 8 hours of finding out about it. For any inpatient hospitalization, amputation, or eye loss that occurs within 24 hours of a work- related incident, employers must report the event within 24 hours of learning about it.

Employers reporting a fatality, inpatient hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye to OSHA must report the following information:

• Establishment name • Location of the work-related incident • Time of the work-related incident • Type of reportable event (i.e., fatality, inpatient hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye) • Number of employees who suffered the event • Names of the employees who suffered the event • Contact person and his or her phone number • Brief description of the work-related incident

Employers do not have to report an event if it:• Resulted from a motor vehicle accident on a public street or highway. Employers must report the event if it happened in a construction work zone.• Occurred on a commercial or public transportation system (airplane, subway, bus, ferry, streetcar, light rail, train).• Occurred more than 30 days after the work- related incident in the case of a fatality or more than 24 hours after the work-related incident in the case of an inpatient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye.

Employers do not have to report an inpatient hospitalization if it was for diagnostic testing or observation only. An inpatient hospitalization is defined as a formal admission to the inpatient service of a hospital or clinic for care or treatment.

Employers do have to report an inpatient hospitalization due to a heart attack, if the heart attack resulted from a work-related incident.

Where can I find more information?For more information about the updated reporting requirements, visit OSHA’s webpage on the revised recordkeeping rule at www.osha.gov/ recordkeeping2014.

Story reprinted from September 2014 OSHA Fact Sheet.

10 p NH Construction Connections p November 24, 2014

Associat ion News

AGC of NH Highway Committee Meets with NHDES and Highway Maintenance OfficialsOn November 12th, Felice Janelle of the NHDES’ Air and Resources Division and Caleb Dobbins and Mark Kirouac of the NHDOT Bureau of Highway Maintenance stopped by the Bow office to speak with the AGC Highway Committee.

Felice discussed the recent proposal to reduce New Hampshire diesel opacity limits to reflect the cleaner technology of today’s heavy-duty fleet. Felice explained that the DES is concerned about the health hazards of diesel because it is a known carcinogen. She stated that the agency is primarily looking for tampering or modification, and that only the numbers in the opacity limits will change.

Caleb Dobbins and Mark Kirouac discussed the new rule changes regarding overweight and oversized truck permits and asked the committee for recommendations. Suggestions included clarifying language in the proposal, offering updated and improved software for electronic signatures, and more weekend and night moves on construction projects. The AGC Highway Committee plans to hold a follow-up meeting with Caleb in January or February.

Help Now: Donate to A Safer Road to Tomorrow For the past ten years, A Safer Road to Tomorrow has been informing New Hampshire residents about the nature and scope of deficiencies in the state’s highways and bridges, and their immediate and long-term impact on public safety, the economy, and quality of life. The publication is a vital tool for the Safer Roads Coalition in their efforts to advocate for infrastructure investment. The coalition, which consists of AGC of NH, the Safety and Health Council of Northern New England, NH Good Roads Association, NH Association of Chiefs of Police, NH Lodging & Restaurant Association, and the Business & Industry Association, has distributed newsletters and booklets to members, public officials, and legislators. A Safer Road to Tomorrow reports on national and local issues, and features current data based on studies regarding transportation.

The Association asks that members consider contributing to the publication’s fund to help continue road, highway, and bridge advocacy in New Hampshire. “It’s our view that if people understand the transportation problems, then they can thoughtfully evaluate and contribute to effective solutions,” says Gary Abbott, Executive VP of AGC of NH, in the publication’s mission statement.

Donations can be made on the website, http://www.saferoadsnh.com, or by calling AGC of NH at (603) 225-2701.

2015 Lunch and Learn SeriesAGC of NH is currently planning the 2015 Lunch and Learn Series. This past year, the series put Human Resources issues front and center. In 2015, the Association would like to focus on New Hampshire agencies. The luncheon seminars will feature presentations by the Departments of Transportation, Environmental Services, Administrative Services, Insurance, and UNH.

We are currently looking for sponsors for the whole series and/or each individual seminar. A prime sponsor of an individual seminar will have the opportunity to act as the emcee for the afternoon. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please call the AGC of NH for more information at (603) 225-2701. Stay tuned for more information on the 2015 Lunch and Learn Series as we work to solidify the schedule.

November 24, 2014 p NH Construction Connections p 11

SEEKING SPONSORS

Associated General Contractors of NH 65th Annual Meeting

December 11, 2014Executive Court Banquet Center, Manchester

SPONSORSHIP FORM

Platinum $1,000 Gold $500

Company: ___________________________________

Contact: _____________________________________

Phone: ______________________________________

Payment: Check Am. Express Visa

Discover Mastercard Invoice (members)

Credit Card#: ________________________________

Name on Card: _______________________________

Exp. Date: ____________ Billing Zip: ___________

Fax: (603) 226-3859Mail to: AGC of NH, 48 Grandview Road,

Bow, NH 03304Email: bcaradonna@agcnh.org

You may also register and pay online at www.agcnh.org

Levels of Sponsorship

Platinum• Receive all the Gold benefits plus...• an additional 2 tickets to the 2014 Annual Meeting• company supplied banner displayed at the event• logo included on the event flyer• company supplied slide in the PowerPoint presentation

to promote your firm

Gold• 2 free tickets to the 2014 Annual Meeting• honorable mention in the evening’s speech• company listed in the evening’s program and

PowerPoint presentation• company listed in the bi-weekly newsletter

November 24, 2014 p NH Construction Connections p 13

REGISTRATION FORM

Company: ________________________________________________________

Guest(s): __________________________________________ Chicken Beef

Guest(s): __________________________________________ Chicken Beef

* Contact the Association if you have any dietary restrictions. Vegetarian meals are available by prior request.

Amount Due: $ __________________ Please reserve my Company table of 8

Check Am. Express Visa Discover Mastercard Invoice

Credit Card #: _____________________________________________________

Name on Card: _____________________________________________________

Exp. Date: _______________ Billing Zip: ________________

Mail to: 48 Grandview Rd, Bow, NH 03304 | Email: bcaradonna@agcnh.org | Fax: (603) 226-3859

Questions may be directed to Bobbie Caradonna at (603) 225-2701

Cancellations must be made 72 hours in advance in order to be eligible for a refund.

You may also register and pay online at www.agcnh.org

Event Pricing

AGC of NH Members:$70 per person

Special Member Price$500 reserved company table of 8

Non-Members (pre-paid only):$99 per person

Join us for a special evening featuring:

• Induction of the 2015 Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire President and Board of Directors.

• Speaker Will Broussard, Outreach Coordinator at the Mount Washington Observatory, speaking on the history of materials testing at the summit of Mount Washington, the Mount Washington Auto Road, Cog Railway, alpine weather and wildlife, and the life and work of staff observers living inside the Observatory.

Special thanks to our platinum sponsors:

65th Annual MeetingAssociated General Contractors of New Hampshire

Thursday, December 11, 2014 | 5:15 pm Cocktail Reception | 6:45 pm Dinner & PresentationExecutive Court Banquet Center, Manchester, NH

2015 AGC of NH Committee Sign-Up Form

AGC of NH committees are the foundation for the Association’s policies and activities. If you’ve been looking for a way to get involved, this is your opportunity! Sign up for a committee today and start making a difference!

Many committees play a part in the Association’s lobbying functions. Member driven, they make decisions on which bills to support, oppose, monitor, etc., as well as offer their expertise in topic specific areas. Joining a committee is a great way to

expand your membership experience with AGC of NH and become an active part in the Association.

Please check off the boxes below to indicate which committees you are interested in and complete the form below.

Building CommitteeThis committee’s focus is on legislation that will affect vertical construction. Code revisions, construction methods and contract documents are just a few of the topics discussed. Meetings with agency leaders are common with this group.

Environment CommitteeIn addition to working on environmental laws, rules & regulations, this committee also works closely with NH Department of Environmental Services. This group is composed of contractors, aggregate suppliers, and environmental & legal consultants.

Highway CommitteeThis committee is charged with monitoring local, state and federal legislation that involves horizontal construction. Wage regulations, construction methods, and transportation funding are common topics among this group.

Asphalt CommitteeAs part of a partnership between AGC of NH and the NH Department of Transportaiton, this committee meets to review asphalt paving quality assurance specifications.

Concrete CommitteeAs part of a partnership between AGC of NH and the NH Department of Transportation, this committee meets to review concrete quality assurance specifications.

Be a Part of the Action!

Highway Specification CommitteeWorking closely with the NH Department of Transportation, this group reviews and recommends language for state specifications.

Legislative CommitteeThe Legislative Committee is the first stop in the Association’s legislative process. The group reviews all of the bills that may impact the commercial construction industry, and recommends the appropriate action for AGC of NH to take.

Human Resources CommitteeIssues, such as workers’ comp., health insurance, and employer rights, are a very important part of any business. Between a variety of roundtable discussions, forums, and meetings with agency leaders, the committee discusses many important labor related topics.

The Association also has three specialty committees: Government Relations, Political Action, and A Safer Road to Tommorrow PR Campaign. Members of these committees are chosen by the Board of Directors.

* Those currently serving on a committee must notify AGC of NH if they wish to continue serving in 2015. ** Committee appointments are made by the incoming president. Members will be notified of their appointment.

Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Company: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________________

Duplicate this form for multiple participants. Fax to (603) 226-3859 or mail to AGC of NH, 48 Grandview Road, Bow, NH 03304.

Want To Lead A Committee? Please check this box if you are interested in being chair of a committee in the future ________________________________

Name of Committee

November 24, 2014 p NH Construction Connections p 15

... “Industry News” continued from page 8.

NHDES’ Updated Rainfall DataNew Hampshire’s storm patterns are changing, and the DES is trying to catch up. Parts of the state have seen up to ten times more extreme precipitation events since 1960, such as the Mother’s Day storm of 2006, which dumped between 10 to 15 inches of rain over four days, and the Patriot’s Day storm of 2007, which brought 4 inches in a twenty-four hour period. Overall, New Hampshire is seeing higher total average annual rainfall. The rate of increase has quadrupled over the last forty years, and rainfall is expected to increase up to 20 percent more over the next century.

The increase in extreme precipitation calls for an update on the DES’ required Alteration of Terrain (AoT) Permit, which factors in the amount of rainfall that will need to be managed on a project site such as a housing development or a retail store. The permit requires on-site management of rainwater to maximize infiltration and decrease runoff.

Prior to 2013, a developer was required to use average annual precipitation data based on a National Weather Service (NWS) index, which used information from the 1930s through the 1970s. But the old rainfall data does not reflect today’s patterns, meaning that decisions were being based off outdated, incorrect information. To fix this, the NHDES Alteration of Terrain Bureau switched in 2013 to data prepared by Cornell University that includes historical rainfall statistics up to 2008.

Building impervious surfaces, such as pavement and roofs, causes rain to run off as stormwater instead of soaking into the ground and vegetation. The increase in extreme rainfall combined with increases in impervious surfaces leads to flooding, erosion, and water pollution—conditions that are much less costly to prevent than they are to repair.

As site developers make their adjustments according to the updated data, they may have to enhance the stormwater retention capacity. Even though the rainfall data is being updated to reflect more current storm patterns, that information will have to continue to be regularly updated over the next several decades as New Hampshire’s precipitation continues to rise. Basing the AoT permits on future climate projections would be more complicated and would require a rewrite of the Bureau’s rules. The NWS is planning to update its data for the Northeastern United States by 2017, but in the meantime, the Cornell data will continue to be used, helping the state minimize the growing risks from the rising rainfall brought on by climate change.

Information for this article was taken from “Updated Rainfall Data Incorporated into NHDES’ Programs,” which appeared in the September-October issue of Environmental News.

BAF Educational Fund Responds to U.S. Decline in Global Competitiveness RankingsThe World Economic Forum released its 2012-2013 Global Economic Competitiveness Report yesterday that showed the U.S. ranked 7th out of 144 nations. The 2005 inaugural release of the ranking placed the U.S. as first.

A factor contributing to the declining status is the eroding state of U.S. roads, bridges and airports, and weak capacity of the nation’s port and rail systems. During the same time period, the U.S. ranking for overall infrastructure quality dropped from 7th to 14th. Specifically, the U.S. ranking for road quality dropped 13 places to 20th, and air transportation infrastructure dropped 23 spots to 31st. While the nation’s port infrastructure ranking ticked up slightly, it’s still 9th behind such countries as Iceland and Estonia.

“Lack of investment in our nation’s infrastructure has a direct result on America’s global economic competitiveness,” Marcia Hale, President of Building America’s Future Educational Fund. “Last year we released a report – Falling Apart and Falling Behind” – that showed how other nations are making substantial investments to modernize and upgrade their basic transportation systems while the U.S. has lagged far behind. This pattern of U.S. inaction in the face of aggressive improvements from competitor nations is eroding our nation’s standing and undermining out economic recovery.”

“In spite of repeated proposals and requests for substantial new investments in infrastructure, Washington has been unable to find the political will to increase federal funding for the backbone of our economy,” said Donna Cooper, Board Member of Building America’s Future Educational Fund. “As a result, our basic infrastructure in increasingly outmoded and fails to meet the needs of our growing population.”

Building America’s Future Educational Fund is currently updating Falling Apart and Falling Behind (www.BAFuture.org/Report) to reflect the new World Economic Forum rankings and the passage of the two year bill Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) that was signed into law in July. As part of this report, Building America’s Future Education Fund will be renewing its recommendation for a multi-year strategy that builds upon the infrastructure reforms included in MAP-21.

Associated General Contractors of NH48 Grandview RoadBow, New Hampshire 03304

PeriodicalPostage PaidConcord, NH

03301

DISCOUNT PRICING for AGC of NH MEMBERSAGC of New Hampshire and NPP partner to offer discount pricing on the things you need from the companies you trust. NPP negotiates the rates and makes them available to AGC of NH members. Available products include wireless service, travel, office & maintenance supplies and more.

How to Sign upVisit www.mynpp.com, select Company then Construction then

Residential. Select AGC-Participating Chapters from the

dropdown menu and complete enrollment.

www.mynpp.com