Category: construction

Mike Sheehan Recognized as KCA’s 2025 Top Young Leader

The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) has named, Mike Sheehan at Penn Installations as a recipient of the 2025 KCA Top Young Leader Award—an honor given annually to recognize emerging leaders who are making a significant impact in the construction industry, KCA started this award in 2018.  

Known for his leadership on key projects and passion for innovation, Sheehan has played a crucial role in driving success at Penn Installations and across the broader construction community. He is active in promoting industry safety, workforce development, and professional mentorship. He also volunteers as a firefighter for the Dauntless Fire Company in Ebensburg, PA in Cambria County.  

“This award highlights the incredible contributions of young professionals who are shaping the future of construction in Pennsylvania,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of KCA. “Mike Sheehan has gone above and beyond—not just on the job site, but in building a stronger, more resilient industry and he does the same in his community.” 

The award was formally presented during the 2025 Construction Celebration held on June 9th, where colleagues and peers from across Pennsylvania’s construction industry gathered to recognize this year’s top achievers. Click to view the event video recap. 

Media Contact: 
Jon O’Brien 
Executive Director 
Keystone Contractors Association 
(717) 731-6272 
jobrien@keystonecontractors.com 

Pennsylvania Weekly Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending August 29, 2025

On Labor Day, we celebrate every worker whose skill, commitment, and perseverance help build the America we’re proud to call home. Happy Labor Day!

On this year’s Labor Day, we celebrate every worker whose skill, commitment, and perseverance help build the America we’re proud to call home.

Here are the top construction stories in Pennsylvania this week:

Restoring An Icon: Fallingwater Renovation Underway: A $7 million restoration project is underway at Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Fallingwater estate in the Laurel Highlands. The two-year effort—set to wrap up by spring 2026—aims to eliminate chronic water infiltration by replacing roofs, repairing steel frames, injecting nearly 12 tons of grout into stone masonry, and restoring exterior walls. The work must uphold UNESCO and National Register standards, making execution especially complex. READ MORE.

$1.6 B Montgomery Lock & Dam Modernization: In Monaca, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun a $1.59 billion rehabilitation of the Montgomery Lock and Dam on the Ohio River. The project includes demolishing the auxiliary lock chamber and building a new, larger 110-ft × 600-ft primary lock. Completion is targeted for 2033, and work remains in early stages. READ MORE.

Fast-Tracking Renewable Energy Permits Ahead of Federal Deadline: Pennsylvania is accelerating wind and solar project approvals to qualify for expiring federal tax credits before July 2026, amid President Trump’s phase-out policy. Gov. Josh Shapiro is advocating for a state energy siting board to streamline permitting, similar to Michigan’s 2023 law, to cut bureaucratic delays and boost construction starts. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

KCA Honors Mikayla Ebling with 2025 Top Young Leader Award

The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) is pleased to announce that Mikayla Ebeling, at McCrossin, has been awarded the 2025 Top Young Leader Award. This prestigious honor recognizes rising professionals under the age of 40 who demonstrate strong leadership, dedication to the construction industry, and a commitment to excellence. KCA started doing this award in 2018.  

“Mikayla Ebeling represents the future of our industry—driven, innovative, and community-minded,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of KCA. “We’re proud to recognize such an inspiring leader who continues to elevate the standards of our profession.” 

With a background at West Virgina University and majored in Civil Engineering, Ebeling has quickly become a standout figure in the construction field. She has led major projects, mentored younger professionals, and actively supported workforce development and safety initiatives. 

The award was presented during the 2025 Construction Celebration held on June 9th at Harrisburg Hilton, where industry professionals from across Pennsylvania gathered to celebrate leadership and collaboration. Click to view the event recap. 

Media Contact: 
Jon O’Brien 
Executive Director 
Keystone Contractors Association 
(717) 731-6272 
jon@keystonecontractors.com 

Pennsylvania Weekly Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending August 22, 2025

Here are the top construction stories for Pennsylvania this week:

Golf course sold for a data center: The Dauphin Highlands Golf Course in Harrisburg has been sold for $45.6 million despite $13 million in debt. The site is set for redevelopment into a data center, promising considerable tax revenue. The deal is expected to close by December 31, 2027, pending final conditions. READ MORE.

Detentions of construction workers by ICE: At least 25 migrant construction workers were detained while heading to work in Pennsylvania. Some were sent to a processing center in Moshannon Valley. The incident has drawn condemnation from immigrant rights groups. READ MORE.

Buildsylvania’s AI-Driven Construction Boom: Pennsylvania is experiencing a massive construction surge fueled by AI and energy demands, with $92 billion in private sector investments announced by U.S. Senator Dave McCormick. Projects include grid upgrades and dam refurbishments to support AI infrastructure, described as a “trillion-dollar, multi-front construction project” unprecedented in scale since the Industrial Revolution. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Keystone Contractors Association Names Steven Fitzpatrick as 2025 Labor Champion 

Fitzpatrick honored as this year’s Thomas George Memorial Community Service Awardee for his exceptional dedication to workforce development & community impact

[Harrisburg, PA] — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) is proud to announce that Steven Fitzpatrick has been named the recipient of the 2025 Thomas George Memorial Community Service Award, an annual honor recognizing outstanding service and leadership in Pennsylvania’s construction industry. 

Fitzpatrick, a respected labor advocate and industry leader working as a Superintendent for Rocky Bleier Construction Group as a member of Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Local 431, was named this year’s Construction Labor Champion for his relentless efforts to improve working conditions, strengthen labor-management partnerships, and champion community engagement across the region. 

“Steven Fitzpatrick embodies the spirit of this award—service, leadership, and integrity,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the Keystone Contractors Association. “His commitment to advancing the construction workforce while giving back to the community makes him a true labor champion and a worthy recipient of this year’s honor.” 

About the Thomas George Memorial Community Service Award 

Established in memory of longtime KCA Executive Director Thomas George, the award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional service to their community and the construction industry. Winners reflect George’s lifelong values: collaboration, respect, and a passion for elevating both labor and management in construction. 

Fitzpatrick was selected through a nomination process involving peers and industry stakeholders, who cited his leadership in labor advocacy, safety initiatives, and community-building efforts as among the best in the industry. 

When accepting this award, Fitzpatrick was quick to highlight many of the great organizations he supports like the Harrisburg PTSD Run for Veterans, Fort Indiantown Gap Wreaths Across America and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Fitzpatrick was formally honored at the 2025 Construction Celebration, where industry leaders will celebrate his achievements and ongoing commitment to excellence. Click here to view video highlights: 2025 Construction Celebration Recap.

Keystone Contractors Association Recognizes Excellence in Jobsite Safety with Annual Safety Awards 

[Harrisburg, PA] — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) continues its tradition of promoting workplace safety and health through its annual KCA Safety Awards Program—an initiative that honors construction firms throughout Pennsylvania for outstanding safety performance and commitment to protecting their workforce. 

The KCA Safety Awards highlight general contractors, subcontractors, and specialty contractors who demonstrate exceptional safety records, industry leadership, and innovative safety practices. Participating firms submit detailed safety data—including total hours worked, OSHA recordable incidents, and lost-time injuries—which are analyzed and compared to national safety benchmarks. 

“Safety is the cornerstone of everything we do in the construction industry,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of KCA. “These awards are about more than just numbers—they reflect the daily commitment our members make to ensure every worker returns home safe.” 

Each year, winners are honored during the Construction Celebration, a special event hosted by KCA in Harrisburg that’s promoted across industry publications and media platforms. In addition to recognizing company-level achievements, the program helps elevate safety awareness and best practices across the state’s construction sector. Highlights from this year’s event: 2025 Construction Celebration Recap. 

The KCA Safety Awards are open to all association members, and data is submitted confidentially for evaluation. The program aligns with KCA’s broader mission to improve industry standards, foster collaboration among contractors, and promote workforce development throughout Pennsylvania. 

KCA Safety Award Winners in Honored in 2025: 

General Contractor: Safest Record with ZERO injuries over 100k hours 

  • Quandel Construction Group, LLC 
  • NOTE: This category winner receives the HB Alexander Trophy, named after a founding father of the KCA who was renowned for safety leadership.  

Subcontractor: Safest Record over 100k hours 

  • Novingers, Inc. 

General Contractor: Safest Record with ZERO injuries between 50k & 100k hours 

  • Serviam Construction, LLC 

Subcontractor: Safest Record between 50k &100k hours 

  • Penn Installations, Inc. 

General Contractor: Safest Record with ZERO injuries under 50k hours 

  • Bill Anskis Company, LLC 

Subcontractor: Safest Record with ZERO injuries under 50k hours 

  • Ralph E. Jones, Inc. 

Most Improved Safety Record 

  • McClure Company 

About the KCA: The Keystone Contractors Association is a commercial construction trade association that provides services in areas such as safety, education, career development, labor relations, community service and government relations. For more information, interview requests or photographs, please contact the KCA: 717-731-6272 \ Jon@KeystoneContractors.com.

Pennsylvania Weekly Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending August 15, 2025

Here are the top construction stories in Pennsylvania this week:

  • U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works Explosion: A tragic explosion at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works near Pittsburgh on August 11, 2025, resulted in two fatalities and at least 10 injuries. The incident caused significant damage to the facility, with emergency crews continuing search and rescue operations for a missing worker. The cause of the explosions remains under investigation, and the event has raised concerns about safety and environmental issues at the plant, which has a history of accidents and pollution-related lawsuits. READ MORE.
  • Penn Hills AML Reclamation Project Success: The Penn Hills AML Reclamation Project in Allegheny County was highlighted this week for successfully addressing long-standing issues from abandoned coal mines, such as flooded basements and dangerous mine discharge. Completed by August 12, 2025, this award-winning project has eliminated these hazards, improving living conditions for residents. WATCH VIDEO.
  • State Budget Update Featuring Infrastructure Money: The Pennsylvania House approved legislation that includes $292 million in additional funding for SEPTA, aiming to forestall service cuts that could have slashed up to 50% of transit operations statewide. Furthermore, the bill proposes $325 million in highway funding and $275 million for rural roads, which would sustain and potentially expand crucial infrastructure construction initiatives. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

KCA Announces Its 2025 Scholarship Winners!

Harrisburg, PA — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Scholarship Awards, supporting the next generation of construction professionals in Pennsylvania and beyond. 

Each year, the KCA Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to outstanding students pursuing careers in construction, engineering, architecture, and related fields. This year, two students were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants for their academic excellence, commitment to the industry, and leadership potential. 

“Investing in our future workforce is one of the most important things we can do,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the Keystone Contractors Association. “These students represent the future of construction, and we’re honored to help support their education and growth.” 

The 2025 KCA Scholarship Recipients include: 

Since establishing the KCA Scholarship Program four years ago, the KCA has given over $90,000 in scholarship funds to support students pursuing careers in the construction industry. The scholarships are made possible through generous contributions from KCA member companies, industry partners, and fundraising events throughout the year. In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients gain access to valuable networking opportunities, mentorship, and industry events through the KCA. 

The awards were formally presented at the annual Construction Celebration, held on June 9th at the Harrisburg Hilton, where industry leaders gathered to celebrate workforce development and the bright future ahead. 

For more information about the KCA Scholarship Program or to learn how to support future scholarships, please visit https://keystonecontractors.com/KCA-Scholarship.  

Photo Caption, left to right: James Darr KCA Education Committee Chair, Allison Bromirski and Eliana Roof.

Media Contact: 
Jon O’Brien 
Executive Director 
Keystone Contractors Association 
(717) 731-6272 
Jon@KeystoneContractors.com  

Pennsylvania Weekly Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending August 8, 2025

Here are the top construction stories in Pennsylvania this week:

Pennsylvania is BOOMING: Pennsylvania’s construction sector is active, with $34 billion contributed to the state’s GDP in 2024 and 31,000 construction establishments. Projects like those in Pittsburgh and statewide infrastructure improvements (e.g., PennDOT’s 684 bridge projects in 2023) indicate robust activity. READ MORE.

Major Work on I-95 In Philly: Overhead sign structure installation will close I-95 North at night August 11-14 in Center City, with ongoing inlet repairs weekdays August 1-29 on I-95 North near Academy Road in Northeast Philadelphia. This represents one of the most significant traffic-impacting construction projects currently underway in the state. READ MORE.

Windfarm Upgrades Help with AI Data Center Growth: Exus recently secured over $158 million to boost capacity at the Twin Ridges wind farm in Somerset County—raising its output by around 30% to 170 MW—and to upgrade the Patton wind farm in Cambria County. These enhancements aim to meet skyrocketing energy demands from AI data centers across the state. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Construction Weekly Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending August 1, 2025

Here are the top construction stories for Pennsylvania for this week:

Tec Centro Workforce Network’s Call for Skilled Trades Investment: This summer, the Tec Centro Workforce Network, a bilingual workforce development program, emphasized Pennsylvania’s looming shortfall of 300,000 skilled trades workers by 2030. With over 2,200 individuals on waitlists for training, Tec Centro urged $8 million in public and private investment to expand programs in construction and other trades. The initiative highlights the retention of 80% of trained workers in Pennsylvania, strengthening local economies. This story underscores ongoing efforts to scale up construction training programs, critical for projects statewide. READ MORE

Penn State University Construction Projects: Penn State continues to see major construction activity, with projects like the $115 million Osmond North Building (set to complete in January 2027) and renovations at Beaver Stadium, potentially costing up to $700 million. The Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building recently opened, consolidating academic departments. These projects, while ongoing, were highlighted in updates from July 2025, indicating continued progress that could still be relevant. READ MORE

KCA Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners: The Keystone Contractors Association announced its recipients of the 2025 KCA Scholarship Program honoring Allison Bromirski and Eliana Roof. Allison is a junior in Penn State’s Architectural/Engineering Construction Management Program and Eliana recently completed her freshman year at Drexel University in the Construction Management Program. To meet Allison CLICK HERE. To meet Eliana CLICK HERE.