Category: safety

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending October 10, 2025

This week’s top construction news in Pennsylvania:

$1.6 B Overhaul of Montogomery Lock & Dam Underway: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is demolishing an auxiliary lock chamber as part of a $1.59 billion rehabilitation project near Monaca, PA. The new plan includes replacing one of the historic chambers with a larger “primary” lock over the next several years. READ MORE.

PA Turnpike Reveals Future Interchange Designs: As toll plazas are being removed, the PA Turnpike unveiled renderings of reconstructed interchanges under its Open Road Tolling (ORT) initiative. The designs focus on safety, better sight lines, and reduced environmental impact. READ MORE.

First 3D Printed Home Breaks Ground: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County, with X-Hab 3D and local partners, has begun construction of Pennsylvania’s first 3D-printed home. The structure will have 3 bedrooms / 1.5 bathrooms; exterior walls printed in concrete, interior framing done traditionally. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending October 3, 2025

This week’s top construction news in Pennsylvania:

Utz Announces Major Facility Upgrade: Snack food giant Utz Brands unveiled a multi-phase, $20 million+ expansion of its Hanover headquarters, set to begin in 2026. The project features a new Employee Hub with modern offices, flexible workspaces, and advanced tech infrastructure, alongside plans for a community center. This investment signals long-term commitment to the York County site, which employs over 1,000, despite recent stock challenges for the company. READ MORE.

Harrisburg Planning Meeting: At its October 1 meeting, the Harrisburg Planning Commission approved several proposals to repurpose existing office buildings (and a funeral home) into residential use, adding roughly 150 apartment units across the city. Among the projects: converting 1909 N. Front St. into 60 one-bedroom apartments, and redeveloping the 22-story 333 Market Street building (formerly offices) into housing. READ MORE.

Amazon’s Last-Mile Logistics coming to NEPA: Amazon is planning a 250,000 sq ft distribution facility on a 125-acre site (formerly mine / coal land) in Hanover Township, to support “last-mile” logistics. Excavation is expected to begin by the end of October 2025. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending September 26, 2025

This week’s top construction news in Pennsylvania:

State Government Building Projects: The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) has listed several high-profile state building or restoration projects. Two notable ones are: The New Pennsylvania State Police Academy, which recently reached a major construction milestone; and, restoration/ upkeep efforts for the Governor’s Residence. READ MORE.

University of Scranton Campus Upgrades: The University wrapped up a number of building and landscaping projects this month, but the most noticeable upgrade was the addition of Weiss Hall, a four-story, 90,000 square-foot academic and community resource building on Madison Avenue. READ MORE.

KCA Scholarship Program: The KCA Scholarship Program Application has been updated. For more information, please visit: https://www.keystonecontractors.com/KCA-Scholarship/.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending September 19, 2025

The Keystone Contractors Association is heartbroken by the devastating loss this week of police officers Det. Sgt. Cody Becker, Det. Isaiah Emenheiser and Det. Mark Baker who were killed in the line of duty. The construction industry has a special connection to our police force and all first responders and we grieve and pray for the families of our lost heroes.

This week’s top construction stories:

University City in Philly Core & Shell Completion: Gattuso Development Partners announced the completion of the core and shell for their new lab-focused building at 3201 Cuthbert St., part of Drexel University’s campus renewal efforts. The six-story, 140,000-square-foot structure is now in active leasing for life sciences tenants, with amenities including rooftop terraces and ground-level retail. This marks a milestone in Philadelphia’s innovation district expansion, with tenant fit-outs expected to begin in Q4 2025. The project, valued at over $100 million, supports the region’s growing biotech sector. READ MORE.

PHARE Fund Expansion Grows to Fund Over 1,000 Affordable Housing Projects Statewide: The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) kicked off implementation of Governor Shapiro’s expanded PHARE program, allocating an additional $85 million for 2025-26 to build or rehabilitate more than 8,200 affordable units. Since 2023, funded projects have surged 55%, with new awards targeting rural and urban gaps—such as 200 units in Allegheny County and 150 in Dauphin. The initiative, now capped at $110 million annually by 2028, includes low-income tax credits and aims to address a 200,000-household renter increase since 2010. READ MORE.

Updating Elevator Safety Standards in the UCC: The PA Department of Labor and Industry submitted draft regulations (Regulation #12-123) to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission on July 23, with public comments closing this week. The updates align Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code with ASME A17.1-2019 standards for elevators, impacting new high-rise builds and retrofits in cities like Philadelphia and Harrisburg. Industry groups like PENNBOC praised the move for enhancing safety in commercial and residential towers, with final adoption expected by early 2026. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending September 12, 2025

This week we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the bravery of the first responders and everyday heroes who answered the call that day. May we never forget their sacrifice, and may we continue to stand united in their memory.

Here are the top construction stories from Pennsylvania this week:

SEPTA Avoids Cuts by Tapping into Reserves & Enacting Fare Increases: The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is using $394 million in state-provided capital project reserves to restore transit services that had recently been cut to address a roughly $200 million deficit. The agency also approved a 21.5% fare increase, which is expected to generate about $31 million more annually. READ MORE.

Solar For Schools – Potential?: Despite reports on all this savings potential for going solar, only two schools in the Philadelphia school district currently have solar systems. The state’s Solar for Schools Grant Program has funded over two dozen school solar projects elsewhere in the region. READ MORE.

Harrisburg Revival Plans: Local planning experts are calling for renewed momentum in downtown Harrisburg development. A recent reflection points out a drop in large-scale projects since 2008, and challenges (funding, vision, parking) that have discouraged developers. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Weekly Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending September 5, 2025

Here are the top construction stories in Pennsylvania this week:

Penn State Construction Update: Multiple transformative construction projects are ongoing at Penn State’s University Park campus, as reported by Centre Daily Times. Notable projects include the $700 million Beaver Stadium renovation, the recently completed Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building, and the $115 million Osmond North Building, set for completion in January 2027. Additionally, a ground lease was approved for a rehabilitation hospital at Innovation Park, though rezoning issues remain. These projects are redefining the campus and student experience in Centre County. READ MORE.

Yazoo Mills To Build 3rd Plant in York: Yazoo Mills, North America’s largest independent manufacturer of paper tubes and cores—is expanding in Hanover (York County) with a new 107,000-square-foot facility. The $14 million investment includes five high-speed production lines and is expected to be completed by January 2026, boosting capacity and operational efficiency. READ MORE.

PA Turnpike Installs Solar Microgrid, Aiming to Be First Sustainable Superhighway by 2040: The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has begun constructing a solar microgrid to power its Western Regional Office (Troop T barrack) in New Stanton, Westmoreland County. The initiative began on September 3, and reflects the Commission’s push for sustainable infrastructure improvements. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

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!

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.