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This is my very first post. With this blog, we hope to cover the construction industry issues that are important to the AEC industry in Pennsylvania. While the Keystone Contractors Association cover most of the state, we may not be in the know on all issues. If you’d like to guest write, please let me know. You can either email me (Jon@KeystoneContractors.com) or call the KCA (717.731.6272). I’ll be sure to promote you and/or your company to make it worth your while for contributing something.
This week’s Pennsylvania commercial construction story is increasingly about scale, power and workforce.
Three developments stand out: a $252 million St. Luke’s Heart Hospital nearing opening in the Lehigh Valley; a newly disclosed $500 million-plus AI data center development in northern Pennsylvania that would pair computing with on-site natural-gas generation; and PPL/Blackstone’s plan to support Pennsylvania data centers with as much as 5 GW of new gas-fired generation, representing potentially $15 billion in investment through 2032. At the same time, political opposition to data centers is rising sharply, making zoning, permitting, energy and community engagement increasingly important to the construction pipeline.
On workforce, Pennsylvania has opened applications for $3 million in new FIT apprenticeship funding, while the state’s construction market continues to face the challenge of supplying enough skilled workers for data centers, healthcare and industrial projects.
Market Intelligence
The Pennsylvania Construction Market Is Becoming Increasingly Two-Tiered
The strongest current opportunities are increasingly concentrated in:
1. Data centers and AI infrastructure
Large projects with extraordinary demand for electrical, mechanical and structural trades.
2. Power and energy infrastructure
Generation, transmission, substations and dedicated energy systems supporting large loads.
3. Healthcare
Large health systems continue making significant capital investments.
4. Public and institutional construction
Universities, schools, municipalities and state agencies continue producing renovation and infrastructure opportunities.
At the same time, contractors need to watch the effect of rising input costs and the uneven distribution of data center work. Earlier data showed contractors with data center work carrying substantially longer backlogs than firms without it, while smaller contractors were much less likely to have data center projects under contract.
KCA’s 5 Things to Watch Next
1. Pennsylvania Data Center Legislation
Watch whether the General Assembly revisits data center taxation, local moratorium authority, energy/water reporting and other regulatory proposals when lawmakers return.
2. Alpha Compute’s Northern Pennsylvania Project
The proposed 200-MW campus and associated gas-generation infrastructure could become a significant new construction opportunity if financing, permitting and the land transaction advance.
3. PPL/Blackstone Power Investments
Watch for the first specific project announcements from Invitium Energy. A 5-GW turbine commitment could translate into a major new power-construction pipeline.
4. FIT Apprenticeship Funding
Construction companies should determine how the new $3 million program can be used to expand registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship programs.
5. Healthcare & Institutional Capital Spending
The St. Luke’s Heart Hospital project is a reminder that major healthcare construction remains active. Watch for additional hospital expansions, university capital projects and public-building work as Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 budget moves into implementation.
Bottom Line
The biggest Pennsylvania commercial construction story is no longer simply “data centers.” It is the infrastructure required to build and power them.
This week’s Alpha Compute announcement and PPL/Blackstone’s generation strategy demonstrate how AI investment is expanding into power generation, natural gas, electrical infrastructure, site development and mission-critical construction.
At the same time, Pennsylvania’s healthcare, higher education and public construction sectors continue providing a more diversified project pipeline. The biggest constraint remains people—making the state’s new apprenticeship funding particularly important.
For KCA members, the opportunity is substantial, but so is the need for contractors to be positioned early on workforce capacity, public procurement, data-center permitting and the power infrastructure behind Pennsylvania’s next generation of commercial construction.
HARRISBURG, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) honored Marcus Vega of Alexander Building Construction Company as the recipient of the 2026 Thomas George Memorial Community Service Award during KCA’s annual Construction Celebration, recognizing his outstanding leadership, work ethic, commitment to mentoring, and service to the construction industry and the next generation of workers.
The Thomas George Memorial Community Service Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership both on and off the construction jobsite and who makes a meaningful contribution to the construction industry and the communities it serves.
Vega has earned a reputation as a strong leader and dedicated construction professional. On projects, he is known for his exceptional work ethic, reliability, and commitment to getting the job done right. Off the jobsite, he has made mentoring the next generation of construction professionals a priority, helping young carpenter apprentices develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to build successful careers.
Perhaps most significantly, Vega’s impact was recognized by both his current employer, Alexander Building Construction Company, and his former employer, Penn Installations, each of which nominated him for the Thomas George Memorial Community Service Award.
“The fact that Marcus was nominated by both Alexander Building Construction Company and Penn Installations says a tremendous amount about the kind of person and leader he is,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the Keystone Contractors Association. “In the ten year history of this award, we have never had two companies, including a current and former employer, jointly recognize someone for this honor. Marcus has earned the respect of the people he works with through his work ethic, leadership, and willingness to help others. Most importantly, he understands that building the future of our industry means investing in the people who are coming behind us.”
Vega’s commitment to mentoring young apprentices reflects one of the most important needs facing the construction industry: developing experienced professionals who are willing to pass their knowledge and experience on to the next generation.
“Marcus is the type of person who makes everyone around him better,” said O’Brien. “He leads by example, works extremely hard, and takes the time to help younger workers learn and grow. His willingness to mentor apprentices demonstrates that he understands leadership isn’t just about what you accomplish yourself—it’s about what you do to help others succeed.”
Vega said he was honored to receive the award and believes the responsibility to mentor the next generation belongs to everyone in the construction industry. At the Construction Celebration, he went on to say that he has been fortunate throughout his career to work with people who were willing to teach him and believe in him, and he felt that it’s everyone’s responsibility to do the same for the people coming into the industry today.
The Thomas George Memorial Community Service Award embodies the values that KCA believes are essential to a strong construction industry: leadership, hard work, service, mentorship, and a commitment to helping others succeed.
By recognizing individuals like Vega, KCA is highlighting the people who do more than build projects—they build people, careers, and the future of Pennsylvania’s construction industry.
About the Keystone Contractors Association
The Keystone Contractors Association is a leading Pennsylvania commercial construction association, representing construction contractors and industry partners. KCA advances workforce development, safety, education, and advocacy efforts to strengthen Pennsylvania’s construction industry and build the next generation of construction professionals.
Media Contact:
Jon O’Brien
Executive Director
Keystone Contractors Association
717-884-2801
Jon@KeystoneContractors.com
HARRISBURG, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) proudly recognized Chris Sheehan of Penn Installations as a recipient of the 2026 KCA Top Young Leader Award during the annual Construction Celebration, honoring his outstanding leadership on the construction jobsite and his dedicated service to the community.
The KCA Top Young Leader Award recognizes emerging professionals who exemplify leadership, professionalism, safety, and service while helping shape the future of Pennsylvania’s commercial construction industry.
As a leader at Penn Installations, Sheehan has earned the respect of coworkers and industry partners in his position as a Project Manager through his commitment to quality workmanship, teamwork, and maintaining the highest standards of safety. Away from the jobsite, he continues his commitment to serving others as an active volunteer firefighter with the Dauntless Fire Department, demonstrating the same dedication and selflessness that define his professional career.
“Chris represents the best of Pennsylvania’s next generation of construction leaders,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the Keystone Contractors Association. “Whether he’s helping build important projects across the Commonwealth or answering the call as a volunteer firefighter, Chris demonstrates leadership through service. His commitment to safety, teamwork, and giving back to his community makes him an outstanding recipient of the KCA Young Leader Award.”
When receiving this honor, Sheehan credited the mentors, coworkers, and fellow firefighters who have influenced his personal and professional development. He thanked the great teammates and mentors at Penn Installations who have challenged him to grow both professionally and personally. Plus, serving with the Dauntless Fire Department has also taught him the importance of teamwork, preparation, and putting others first.
The Top Young Leader Award is presented annually during KCA’s Construction Celebration to recognize emerging professionals who demonstrate excellence not only in their careers but also through their commitment to making a positive difference beyond the workplace. By recognizing leaders like Sheehan, KCA celebrates the values that strengthen Pennsylvania’s construction industry and the communities it serves.
Penn Installations, headquartered in Summerhill, Pennsylvania, is a leading construction subcontractor serving commercial and industrial projects throughout Pennsylvania. The company is recognized for its commitment to quality workmanship, workplace safety, and developing the next generation of construction professionals. For more information please visit https://www.penninstall.com/.
The Keystone Contractors Association is a leading Pennsylvania commercial construction association, representing construction contractors and industry partners. KCA advances workforce development, safety, education, and advocacy efforts to strengthen Pennsylvania’s construction industry and build the next generation of construction professionals.
Media Contact:
Jon O’Brien
Executive Director
Keystone Contractors Association
Phone: 717-731-6272
Email: Jon@KeystoneContractors.com
Commercial construction activity in Pennsylvania remained steady this week, with healthcare, industrial development, public infrastructure, and AI-driven investment continuing to generate opportunities. While there were relatively few billion-dollar announcements, several projects moved into planning, funding, or procurement stages that KCA members should monitor closely.
AI Data Centers
Expect continued announcements through the remainder of 2026 as utilities complete power studies and developers secure additional sites.
RACP Projects
Hundreds of funded projects should begin entering design and construction procurement over the next 6–18 months.
Federal & State Infrastructure Funding
Additional transportation, water, and energy investments remain likely as agencies finalize FY2026 funding allocations.
Construction Workforce
Skilled labor availability continues to be one of the biggest risks to project delivery schedules across Pennsylvania.
Interest Rates & Private Development
If financing conditions improve later this year, expect increased activity in private commercial office, hospitality, and mixed-use developments.
Pennsylvania’s commercial construction market remains healthy, driven by public investment, industrial expansion, healthcare projects, and AI-related development. While this week featured fewer headline-grabbing project announcements, the pipeline of funded work continues to grow. For KCA members, the greatest opportunities over the next several months are expected to come from RACP-funded projects entering procurement, continued industrial development, healthcare renovations, and the expanding AI data center market.
HARRISBURG, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) proudly recognized Justin Seltzer of Alexander Building Construction Co. as a recipient of the 2026 KCA Top Young Leader Award during the annual Construction Celebration, honoring his exceptional leadership on the jobsite, within his company, and throughout the community.
The KCA Top Young Leader Award recognizes emerging professionals who are helping shape the future of Pennsylvania’s commercial construction industry through their leadership, professionalism, commitment to safety, and dedication to serving others.
As a leader at Alexander Building Construction Co., Seltzer has earned the respect of colleagues and industry partners through his work ethic, collaborative approach, and commitment to delivering quality construction projects. Beyond the jobsite, he is actively involved with Centre County Habitat for Humanity, serving as the organization’s Chairman and volunteering his time and construction expertise to help families achieve the dream of homeownership while strengthening the local community.
“Justin represents exactly what the KCA Top Young Leader Award was created to recognize,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the Keystone Contractors Association. “He leads by example on the jobsite, invests in his coworkers, and understands that leadership extends beyond construction. His commitment to giving back through Centre County Habitat for Humanity demonstrates the kind of character that strengthens both our industry and our communities. We are proud to recognize Justin as one of Pennsylvania’s outstanding young construction leaders.”
Seltzer said he is honored to receive the recognition and credits the award to the mentors and teammates who have helped shape his career. Recognizing that construction is a team effort, during his comments during the awards ceremony he mentioned how fortunate he is to learn from outstanding leaders at Alexander Building Construction Co. who have invested in his growth and how important giving back through Habitat for Humanity has been equally rewarding because it allows him to use his skills to make a positive difference in the community.
The KCA Top Young Leader Award is presented annually during KCA’s Construction Celebration to recognize the next generation of construction professionals who are making a positive impact both professionally and personally. By highlighting emerging leaders like Seltzer, KCA continues its mission of promoting leadership, workforce development, and excellence throughout Pennsylvania’s commercial construction industry.
Alexander Building Construction Co. is a leading Pennsylvania commercial construction company with a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality construction services throughout the Commonwealth. The company is committed to excellence in project delivery, safety, workforce development, and community involvement. For more information please visit: https://butz.com/alexander/.
The Keystone Contractors Association is a leading Pennsylvania commercial construction association, representing construction contractors and industry partners. KCA advances workforce development, safety, education, and advocacy efforts to strengthen Pennsylvania’s construction industry and build the next generation of construction professionals.
Media Contact:
Jon O’Brien
Executive Director
Keystone Contractors Association
Phone: 717-731-6272
Email: Jon@KeystoneContractors.com
This was a quieter news week for project announcements, but the week’s report highlights several significant funding announcements and continued momentum in Pennsylvania’s commercial construction market. While there were relatively few major private-sector project announcements over the past seven days, state capital investments and AI-related industrial development continue to drive opportunities.
Top Story: The Commonwealth’s nearly $445 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) awards continues to shape the project pipeline, with funding supporting 356 projects statewide. These awards will move numerous public, institutional, and community construction projects toward procurement over the coming months. READ MORE.
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The Shapiro Administration’s recent RACP announcements remain the most consequential construction news affecting Pennsylvania contractors.
Highlights include:
Why it matters: RACP funding supports design and construction of economic development, workforce, healthcare, public safety, cultural, and infrastructure projects. Contractors should begin monitoring engineering and bidding opportunities as recipients move projects into procurement.
Among the newly highlighted RACP projects:
Combined funding totals approximately $6.7 million.
Why it matters: These are the types of medium-sized public projects that frequently generate opportunities for regional general contractors and specialty trades.
Although there were no major new Pennsylvania data center announcements this week, activity remains strong around previously announced developments, including:
Developers continue advancing permitting, planning, and site development activities.
Why it matters:
This remains Pennsylvania’s strongest private commercial construction sector.
No major healthcare or university building announcements emerged during the past seven days.
However, many recently funded RACP projects include:
These projects are expected to move toward design and bidding during the second half of 2026.
No major Pennsylvania contractor mergers, acquisitions, or executive leadership announcements surfaced during the reporting period.
The Commonwealth updated its 2025 RACP funding round information and award listings.
The current application window has closed, and additional awards may still be issued before the funding round officially concludes.
What contractors should do:
No significant statewide commercial bid packages were announced during the past week.
Contractors should continue monitoring:
The dominant workforce issue remains availability of skilled craft professionals.
Demand continues to be strongest for:
Large industrial and data center projects are expected to keep labor demand elevated through 2027.
No major statewide commercial construction safety incidents or regulatory developments were identified during the past week.
Contractors continue preparing for late-summer heat exposure and maintaining emphasis on fall protection, excavation safety, and workforce wellness.
Strong
Moderating
Growing
This information was sent to KCA members. For information please contact the KCA – Jon@KeystoneContractors.com.
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HARRISBURG, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) proudly recognized G.M. McCrossin, Inc. with its Most Improved Safety Performance Award during the 2026 Construction Celebration, honoring the company’s remarkable progress in workplace safety since the previous KCA Safety Awards program.
The award recognizes a contractor that has demonstrated the greatest improvement in its safety performance over the past year, reflecting a strong commitment to continuous improvement, employee engagement, and building a culture where safety is the highest priority.
G.M. McCrossin President Robert Leahey accepted the award on behalf of the company during the annual celebration, which brought together construction leaders, contractors, labor partners, elected officials, and industry stakeholders from across Pennsylvania.
Headquartered in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, G.M. McCrossin is one of the Commonwealth’s leading heavy highway and infrastructure contractors, completing complex transportation and infrastructure projects while maintaining a strong commitment to protecting its workforce.
“One of the hallmarks of a great safety culture is the willingness to continually improve,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the Keystone Contractors Association. “G.M. McCrossin’s progress over the past year demonstrates that safety excellence is a journey built on leadership, accountability, training, and the dedication of every employee. We congratulate Robert Leahey and the entire G.M. McCrossin team for earning this well-deserved recognition.”
The Most Improved Safety Performance Award highlights the belief that every contractor—regardless of size or previous performance—can strengthen its safety culture through a commitment to learning, continuous evaluation, and investing in its people.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from the Keystone Contractors Association,” said Robert Leahey, President of G.M. McCrossin, Inc. “Improving safety requires commitment from every member of our organization. This award reflects the hard work of our employees, supervisors, and leadership team who have embraced the responsibility of looking out for one another every day. While we are proud of this achievement, we remain committed to continually raising the bar and ensuring every employee returns home safely.”
The Keystone Contractors Association’s annual Safety Awards recognize contractors that exemplify excellence in workplace safety and encourage continuous improvement across Pennsylvania’s commercial construction industry.
G.M. McCrossin, Inc., headquartered in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, is a leading heavy highway and infrastructure contractor serving clients throughout Pennsylvania. The company specializes in roadways, bridges, utilities, and transportation infrastructure while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, innovation, and workplace safety.
The Keystone Contractors Association is a leading Pennsylvania commercial construction association, representing construction contractors and industry partners. KCA advances workforce development, safety, education, and advocacy efforts to strengthen Pennsylvania’s construction industry and build the next generation of construction professionals.
Media Contact:
Jon O’Brien
Executive Director
Keystone Contractors Association
717-731-6272
Jon@KeystoneContractors.com
Here are the top Pennsylvania construction stories this week. To read this newsletter on a new platform click: PA’s Top Construction Stories.
Philadelphia Energy Retrofit Program Creates Major Construction Opportunities: A significant municipal energy modernization program is underway that will renovate 14 city-owned buildings through Pennsylvania’s Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA). Construction began this summer and is expected to create approximately 300 jobs, with more than half of the work performed by local contractors. Mechanical, HVAC, electrical, and building systems contractors are expected to benefit. READ MORE.
Large Project Opportunities Continue to Enter the Bidding Pipeline: Commercial contractors seeking new work continue to see opportunities across Pennsylvania in healthcare, education, industrial, municipal, and mixed-use developments. Project lead services are reporting a steady flow of commercial projects available for bidding throughout the state. READ MORE.
Commonwealth recently announced nearly $445 million in RACP funding for 356 projects statewide: Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast with a growing economy, based on analysis done by Moody’s Analytics, and the region’s top state for business, according to CNBC. This RACP funding strengthens communities by assisting with construction jobs. READ MORE.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!
HARRISBURG, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) proudly announced that Rocky Bleier Construction Group has been named the recipient of the 2025 Safety Award for the safest general contractor in Pennsylvania among companies reporting between 50,000 and 100,000 work hours.
The award was presented during KCA’s annual Construction Celebration, where construction industry leaders from across the Commonwealth gathered to recognize companies that exemplify excellence in safety, workforce development, and leadership within Pennsylvania’s commercial construction industry.
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Rocky Bleier Construction Group has earned a strong reputation for delivering high-quality commercial construction projects while fostering a workplace culture where safety is a core value. The company’s commitment to employee training, proactive planning, and accountability has helped establish one of the safest work environments in the Commonwealth.
The KCA Safety Award recognizes general contractors that achieve exceptional safety performance while completing a significant volume of construction work. Companies receiving this honor demonstrate that protecting workers is fundamental to successful project delivery and long-term business excellence.
“Rocky Bleier Construction Group has built a culture where safety is embedded into every aspect of its operations,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the Keystone Contractors Association. “Receiving Pennsylvania’s top safety award among general contractors with between 50,000 and 100,000 work hours is an outstanding accomplishment. This recognition reflects the company’s dedication to protecting its employees, supporting its clients, and setting a standard of excellence for the entire construction industry.”
Rocky Bleier Construction Group attributes the award to the commitment of its employees, project managers, field supervisors, and leadership team, who work together every day to ensure every jobsite operates safely and efficiently. Safety is the foundation of everything they do and this award reflects their commitment to continuously strengthening their safety culture.
The Keystone Contractors Association’s annual Safety Awards recognize construction companies that demonstrate outstanding safety performance and reinforce the industry’s commitment to ensuring that every construction professional returns home safely at the end of each workday.
Rocky Bleier Construction Group, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a commercial construction company serving clients throughout Pennsylvania and beyond. The company provides construction management, general contracting, and related services while emphasizing quality, integrity, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to workplace safety.
The Keystone Contractors Association is a leading Pennsylvania commercial construction association, representing construction contractors and industry partners. KCA advances workforce development, safety, education, and advocacy efforts to strengthen Pennsylvania’s construction industry and build the next generation of construction professionals.
Media Contact:
Jon O’Brien
Executive Director
Keystone Contractors Association
717-731-6272
Jon@KeystoneContractors.com
HARRISBURG, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) proudly announced that Mid-State Construction has been named the recipient of the 2025 Safety Award for the safest general contractor in Pennsylvania among companies reporting under 50,000 work hours.
The award was presented during KCA’s annual Construction Celebration, where construction professionals from across the Commonwealth gathered to recognize excellence in safety, workforce development, and leadership within Pennsylvania’s construction industry.
Headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Mid-State Construction has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality commercial construction projects while maintaining an unwavering commitment to protecting its employees, trade partners, and clients through a strong culture of safety.
The KCA Safety Award recognizes general contractors that achieve exceptional safety performance while completing a significant volume of construction work. Companies are evaluated on their safety records, demonstrating that outstanding project performance begins with ensuring every worker returns home safely each day.
“Mid State Construction has demonstrated that safety and project success go hand in hand,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the Keystone Contractors Association. “Earning the top safety award among Pennsylvania general contractors with under 50,000 work hours is an outstanding accomplishment. This recognition reflects a culture where every employee understands that safety is a shared responsibility and a core value.”
Mid-State Construction credits the achievement to the dedication of its employees, supervisors, and project teams who consistently prioritize planning, communication, training, and accountability on every jobsite.
The Keystone Contractors Association’s annual Safety Awards celebrate construction companies that demonstrate outstanding leadership in workplace safety and reinforce the industry’s commitment to protecting the skilled men and women who build Pennsylvania.
Mid State Construction, headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is a full-service general contractor serving clients throughout Central Pennsylvania and beyond. The company specializes in commercial construction and is recognized for delivering quality projects through experienced leadership, strong client relationships, and an unwavering commitment to workplace safety.
The Keystone Contractors Association is a leading Pennsylvania commercial construction association, representing construction contractors and industry partners. KCA advances workforce development, safety, education, and advocacy efforts to strengthen Pennsylvania’s construction industry and build the next generation of construction professionals.
Media Contact:
Jon O’Brien
Executive Director
Keystone Contractors Association
717-731-6272
Jon@KeystoneContractors.com
Building Pennsylvania 