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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.
New initiative designed to address Pennsylvania’s growing construction workforce shortage.
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) today announced its strong support for legislation introduced by Republican Education Chairman Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) to establish the PA WORKS Scholarship Program (Workforce, Opportunity, Retention and Knowledge Scholarship Program), a new initiative designed to address Pennsylvania’s growing construction workforce shortage.
The PA WORKS Scholarship Program would create a direct pipeline from education to employment by allowing eligible businesses to direct tax credits toward scholarships for students enrolled in construction-and skilled-trades-related programs through accredited construction management, safety or building science programs. With approximately 260,000 construction workers in Pennsylvania, the urgency to support students pursuing construction-related degrees grows with every retirement.
“Representative Cutler’s PA WORKS Scholarship Program is a smart, targeted investment that helps students access high-demand careers while ensuring employers have the skilled workforce they need,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director, Keystone Contractors Association. “Pennsylvania’s construction industry is facing a critical workforce shortage that threatens our ability to meet infrastructure, housing and economic development needs.”
Over 75 percent of Pennsylvania construction companies have reported difficulty filing open positions. By reducing financial barriers for students pursuing technical and professional degrees, PA WORKS Scholarship Program aims to expand access to family-sustaining careers in the construction industry and many organizations are excited about this new scholarship program.
“The backbone of our economy is built by skilled hands and informed minds. Like our apprenticeship programs, scholarships empower students to enter construction with confidence and technical excellence – and that strengthens every jobsite in America,” said William Sproule, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.
“Scholarships open the door for talent that might otherwise be left out. By supporting young people pursuing construction degrees, we grow a workforce that’s stronger, more diverse, and equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s jobs,” said Jesse DiRenna, Business Manager, Operating Engineers Local 66.
“This legislation recognizes what contractors across the state already know: workforce development starts with education,” added Joseph Orr III, President, Keystone Contractors Association. “If we are serious about building Pennsylvania’s future, we must invest in the students preparing to lead it. Scholarships for construction degree students strengthen our workforce pipeline, raise safety and quality standards and ensure our industry has the talent it needs to deliver complex projects for decades to come.”
The Keystone Contractors Association commends Rep. Cutler for his leadership on workforce development and looks forward to working with legislators and stakeholders to advance the PA WORKS Scholarship Program (PA WORKS Scholarship Program Memo).
About KCA: The Keystone Contractors Association represents construction companies based across Pennsylvania, advocating for policies that promote growth in our Commonwealth, workforce development and a strong, sustainable construction industry. For more information, please visit www.KeystoneContractors.com or contact 717-731-6272 | Jon@KeystoneContractors.com.
KCA supports policies that make Pennsylvania more competitive and promotes business growth.
For Immediate Release
Harrisburg, PA – The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) today announced its opposition to Pennsylvania House Bill 1541, warning that the legislation would undermine the Commonwealth’s business climate, discourage investment and significantly increase construction-related litigation.
KCA represents construction contractors and industry partners across Pennsylvania who build the commercial, industrial and infrastructure that support economic growth and job creation. According to the association, HB 1541 moves Pennsylvania in the wrong direction at a time when the state should be working to attract commerce and remain competitive with neighboring states.
“House Bill 1541 is anti-business and sends exactly the wrong signal to employers, developers and investors considering Pennsylvania,” said Jon O’Brien, executive director, KCA. “Instead of encouraging growth and collaboration, this bill would increase legal uncertainty and expose construction projects to greater risk.”
KCA cautions that the legislation would lead to more construction litigation, driving up costs, delaying projects and diverting resources away from building and job creation. Those added costs, the association notes, would ultimately be passed on to taxpayers, businesses and consumers.
“Pennsylvania’s construction industry thrives when there is clarity, fairness and predictability,” O’Brien said. “HB 1541 creates the opposite – inviting more lawsuits, higher costs and slows projects moving forward.”
The KCA also expressed concern that the bill could slow or deter much-needed commercial development, housing, infrastructure projects and energy projects – many projects which sustain thousands of family-sustaining construction jobs across Pennsylvania.
“KCA urges lawmakers to reject House Bill 1541 and instead work collaboratively with the construction and business community on policies that strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy and keep our state competitive,” O’Brien said.
About the KCA: The KCA represents construction companies based across Pennsylvania, advocating for policies that promote business growth in our Commonwealth, workforce development and a strong, sustainable construction industry.
Media Contact: Jon O’Brien, Executive Director
717-731-6272 | Jon@KeystoneContractors.com
Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!
Here are the top stories from Pennsylvania:
PennDOT Invests in Rail Infrastructure: The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced a $53 million investment in rail infrastructure focused on freight mobility enhancements, track rehabilitation, and bridge work across the state — expected to support hundreds of jobs. READ MORE.
Steel Framed Affordable Housing Approach in Northeast PA: A new approach to affordable home construction using cold-formed steel rather than traditional wood framing is gaining attention in northeast Pennsylvania. This method promises greater durability and scalability and may influence future residential construction trends. READ MORE.
Building A Strong Workforce Seminar Series Kicks Off: Hosted by the KCA and its Mental Health Awareness Task Force and in partnership with Pro-A, the kickoff seminar in this series aimed to identify signs and symptoms of substance use disorder, understanding contributing risk factors, impacts on the trades and learning prevention and support strategies. To watch this seminar click here. The next seminar in this series, #2 of #4, is scheduled for February 25, noon. This hybrid event will take place at Pennoni in Mechanicsburg. For more information visit: Building A Strong Workforce, Building A Culture of Support.
Lastly, we would like to thank Constellation for offering the KCA a tour of the Crane Clean Energy Center (formally known as Three Mile Island). This week’s newsletter features a photo from the tour.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!
KCA Calls for Strategic Funding, Workforce Development & Improving Regulatory and Procurement Laws in this State Budget.
Harrisburg, PA – As Governor Josh Shapiro prepares to deliver his State Budget Address, the Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) is calling on the Administration and General Assembly to advances policies and investments that strengthen Pennsylvania’s construction industry, protects taxpayers, and ensures the Commonwealth can efficiently deliver critical public and private-investment projects.
Representing commercial construction contractors across Pennsylvania, KCA urges state leaders to focus on strategic infrastructure funding, workforce development, regulatory efficiency, and modernization of the archaic procurement law known as the 1913 Separations Act.
“Pennsylvania’s construction industry is ready to build – but outdated laws and workforce shortages are making it harder and more expensive to deliver public projects,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the KCA. “Governor Shapiro’s budget presents an opportunity to modernize policy, improve efficiency, and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and show the country that Pennsylvania is open for business.”
KCA’s Budget Priorities:
About the KCA: Founded in 1940, the Keystone Contractors Association is a Pennsylvania trade association representing commercial construction companies. KCA is dedicated to advancing safety, workforce development, labor relations, training and education, and sound public policy to ensure the construction industry can continue to build strong communities across Pennsylvania.
Media Contact: Jon O’Brien, Executive Director
Keystone Contractors Association
717-731-6272
Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!
The top construction stories this week in Pennsylvania:
Major Construction Policy & Workforce News: The Pennsylvania Senate held a hearing focused on legislation that would require local labor for public construction projects — a big deal for the building trades and workforce policy. READ MORE.
Data Center Growth & Debate: Statewide Debate Over Data Center Construction: As more AI-related data centers expand across Pennsylvania, residents and some lawmakers are pushing back, citing concerns about energy usage, cost spikes, and community impact — even as state leaders support development. READ MORE.
Building A Stronger Construction Workforce: Construction is a tough industry and KCA’s monthly seminar series tackles the real mental health facing our workers. The first seminar is scheduled for this upcoming Wednesday, January 28, noon. For details click: Building A Stronger Construction Workforce.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!
Stay Safe, Stay & Keep Building Pennsylvania!
This week’s top stories in Pennsylvania
Massive Southern Berks Industrial Park Breaks Ground: One of the biggest industrial projects in the state has officially started construction in Berks County. The 5.5 million-square-foot Southern Berks Industrial Park will sit on a former Bethlehem Steel site and include multiple Class A industrial buildings. Phase 1 alone is expected to create about 450 jobs by late 2026, with the full build-out projected to generate roughly 2,750 jobs and ~$2 billion in economic activity. READ MORE.
State Grant Programs for Construction & Transportation Now Open: Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation Multimodal Transportation Funding (MTF) and other state grant programs are now open for applications, offering public infrastructure and commercial project funding opportunities that can support future construction and mobility-related developments. READ MORE.
Time to Nominate Construction’s Safest Construction Companies, Emerging Leaders & Community Difference-Makers: The KCA awards program is an excellent way to recognize the talented and community-first professionals on your team. Winners and Finalists are honored at the annual Construction Celebration held in June, which is the construction industry’s biggest awards event in Harrisburg. We hope you enjoyed last years’ event: 2025 Construction Celebration Highlight Video.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!
The 1st Construction Weekly Recap of 2026!
Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!
This week’s top stories in Pennsylvania:
Massive Southern Berks Industrial Park Breaks Ground: Construction officially began on the 5.5 million-square-foot Southern Berks Industrial Park in New Morgan Borough, Berks County — one of the largest industrial developments in the state. Phase 1 includes four buildings (~2.65 M sf) scheduled to be complete by late 2026. Expected to create about 450 jobs in Phase 1 and ~2,750 jobs overall. Could generate roughly $2 billion in economic activity and includes a favorable tax abatement incentive (LERTA). READ MORE.
Construction Begins on Silver Spring Logistics Park (Central PA): Rockefeller Group and MBK Real Estate have started building the first two distribution facilities at the Silver Spring Logistics Park near Mechanicsburg — part of a planned ~2 million-square-foot three-building logistics campus. Enhances Pennsylvania’s industrial real estate footprint. Helps absorb demand for distribution and supply-chain space in central Pennsylvania. READ MORE.
Pa. Poised for Continued Data Center & Tech Campus Growth: Pennsylvania’s push to grow data center and tech infrastructure remains a major construction theme — including massive planned projects and site developments: JLL markets a huge data center site in Washington County (1,500 acres targeted for development). These digital infrastructure projects translate into significant construction activity and long-term economic development. READ MORE.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!
2025 was a standout year for the Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) — one defined by consistent advocacy, deepened community impact, unwavering focus on safety, and steady reinforcement of its role as a leading voice for Pennsylvania’s commercial construction industry.
Under the leadership from the KCA Board of Directors and its staff, KCA continued to deliver on its core pillars: safety, education & training, labor relations, community service, and government relations. The association maintained its reputation for practical, people-centered initiatives while expanding its reach across the Commonwealth.
Key highlights that defined the year included:
In essence, 2025 was the year KCA solidified its foundation — not through dramatic overhauls, but through reliable execution, meaningful partnerships, and real-world impact that made construction safer, smarter, and more community-oriented across Pennsylvania.
The association heads into 2026 positioned stronger than ever, with the same positive, confident energy that has become its trademark: KCA Builds PA — and it built exceptionally well in 2025.
Here’s to carrying that momentum forward!
Dear Pennsylvania Construction Professionals:
As we approach Christmas and the end of the year, we are reminded that nothing is more important than sending our people home safe—every day.
The construction industry has made meaningful progress, but this season is an important opportunity to recommit ourselves to what matters most: safer jobsites, strong safety training, and consistent/proper use of personal protective equipment.
Every incident prevented, every hazard addressed, and every safety conversation held protects more than a worker—it protects a family waiting at home. Especially during the holiday season, the impact of safety decisions on the job is felt far beyond the jobsite.
We encourage all construction companies to:
Safety is not seasonal, but this time of year reminds us why it matters so deeply. A moment of attention, a properly worn piece of PPE, or a refresher training can be the difference between celebration and tragedy.
As an industry, we build the places where life happens. Let’s also continue building a culture where safety is prioritized, training is continuous, and every worker knows they are valued and protected.
On behalf of the Keystone Contractors Association, we wish you and your teams a safe, healthy, and peaceful Christmas, and a New Year defined by strong safety performance and continued improvement.
Sincerely,
The Keystone Contractors Association
This week’s top stories in Pennsylvania:
KCA’s Mental Awareness Task Force Announces Monthly Seminar Series: Titled, Building A Stronger Workforce, the KCA announced this week that starting January 28, 2026, the Association will host a monthly seminar series. Construction is a tough industry and this series tackles real life mental health issues impacting our industry. For more info: A 2026 Construction Seminar Series Building A Stronger Workforce.
Groundbreaking on Massive Southern Berks Industrial Park: A huge 5.5 million-sq-ft industrial park officially broke ground in Southern Berks County, on land once part of the Bethlehem Steel site. Once complete, it’s expected to generate ~2,750 jobs and roughly $2 billion in economic activity, with Phase I scheduled by late 2026. READ MORE.
Pennsylvania Continues Explosive Data Center Expansion: Despite environmental and grid capacity concerns, Pennsylvania’s data center construction boom is accelerating—with approvals like converting the former Cheswick coal plant into a data center moving forward. This positions Pennsylvania as a major hub for AI-driven infrastructure, though some communities and energy regulators are pushing back. READ MORE.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!
Building Pennsylvania 