A study released today by the Beacon Hill Institute found that Ohio schools built under government-mandated project labor agreements (PLAs) cost 13.12 percent more than schools that were bid and constructed through fair and open competition, free from PLA requirements. The study looked at 88 schools built in Ohio since 2000 and found that those built under a PLA mandate cost $23.12 more per square foot than projects built without PLA mandates.
“The study released today by the Beacon Hill Institute corroborates past academic research that shows that anti-competitive government-mandated PLAs prevent taxpayers from getting the best return on their investment,” said ABC Vice President of Regulatory, Labor and State Affairs Ben Brubeck. “All taxpayers deserve efficient, accountable and effective construction spending and investment in schools and infrastructure free from special-interest handouts that discourage competition from qualified, local workers and contractors.”
“Associated Builders and Contractors encourages Ohio lawmakers to join the 23 pro-taxpayer states that have passed measures that ensure government neutrality toward PLAs,” said Brubeck. “Additionally, ABC encourages President Trump to rescind President Obama’s Executive Order 13502, which promotes costly PLA mandates on federal and federally assisted construction projects, and replace it with a common-sense policy that would guarantee fair and open competition from America’s best construction companies and create opportunities for America’s entire skilled construction workforce as Washington considers a federal infrastructure plan.”
The full study, Project Labor Agreements and the Cost of School Construction in Ohio, is available on the Beacon Hill Institute's website.
Related Stories
Big Data | May 5, 2016
The Center for Neighborhood Technology has launched the largest source of transit data in the country
AllTransit analyzes the social benefits of good transit service by analyzing data related to health, equity, and economic development.
Industry Research | May 5, 2016
National survey reveals offices aren’t built to benefit employees
A Saint-Gobain and SageGlass Work Environment Survey found insufficient access to daylight, poor air quality, and distracting noise at workplaces as the major issues experienced by employees
Industry Research | Apr 15, 2016
Commercial construction starts jumped 18% in March
Nonresidential construction has gotten off to a hot start this year and looks to gain even more momentum throughout the spring.
Industry Research | Apr 14, 2016
Contractor confidence down, but not out
Despite a slight regression, nonresidential construction confidence is still in positive territory
Industry Research | Apr 7, 2016
CBRE provides latest insight into healthcare real estate investors’ strategies
Survey respondents are targeting smaller acquisitions, at a time when market cap rates are narrowing for different product types.
Industry Research | Apr 4, 2016
AIA: Public-private partnerships could solve nation’s public infrastructure crisis
A new white paper addresses the nation’s $3 trillion public infrastructure crisis and how public private partnerships offer a possible solution.
Retail Centers | Mar 16, 2016
Food and technology will help tomorrow’s malls survive, says CallisonRTKL
CallisonRTKL foresees future retail centers as hubs with live/work/play components.
Architects | Mar 11, 2016
AIA survey finds many women and minority architects still feeling underrepresented and unfulfilled
Dissatisfaction with “work-life balance” and compensation are cited as reasons why companies’ diversity strategies may be faltering.
Office Buildings | Feb 26, 2016
Benching, desking, and (mostly) paper-free: Report identifies top trends in workplace design for 2016
The report, from Ted Moudis Associates, encompasses over 2.5 million sf of workspace built over the past two years.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 24, 2016
Senior housing sector experiences record-setting year, says CBRE
Senior housing occupancy is at its highest level since 2007, and 2015 was a record year for sales and institutional transactions, according to CBRE.
