Tag: best practices

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – The Top Stories for the Week Ending May 1, 2026

Here are the top Pennsylvania construction stories this week:

Data center boom sparks backlash (statewide impact): A major controversy is unfolding in Archbald (Lackawanna County), where multiple large-scale data centers are proposed—covering ~14% of the town. Residents are pushing back over environmental impact, water usage, and grid strain, forcing state leaders (including Gov. Shapiro) to reconsider how aggressively to fast-track these projects. This reflects a broader statewide trend: rapid growth of AI/data infrastructure vs. community resistance—a defining construction issue right now. Data centers are becoming one of the largest drivers of non-residential construction in PA, but also one of the most politically sensitive. READ MORE.

$10B power plant + data center construction project underway: A massive energy + data center campus project near Homer City, Pennsylvania has begun construction, with projections of thousands of jobs. This project reinforces the energy–construction linkage and shows where large-scale capital is flowing in Pennsylvania construction. READ MORE.

Permitting reform framed as a workforce/jobs issue: US Senator Dave McCormick introduced federal legislation targeting permitting delays that are holding up infrastructure and energy projects. The argument: delays are tying up thousands of potential construction jobs and trillions in economic activity. Workforce shortages aren’t just about labor supply anymore. Project delays = idle workforce capacity + missed job creation. READ MORE.

CAPTION: The KCA Board of Directors and their spouses gathered recently for its Spring meeting.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – The Top Stories for the Week Ending April 24, 2026

Here are the top Pennsylvania construction stories this week:

Downtown Pittsburgh construction surge tied to NFL Draft: Multiple projects were fast-tracked or completed ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. The city is seeing a wave of public-space upgrades and infrastructure improvements tied to tourism and long-term redevelopment. Economic impact is projected at $200M+, reinforcing the role of large events in accelerating construction timelines. READ MORE.

New $31M Arts Landing Park opens (rapid delivery project): Arts Landing Park is a 4-acre, $31M project opening this week. Delivered in just 22 months, which is notably fast for a project of this scale. Includes playgrounds, performance space, and public art infrastructure. Speed-to-delivery and private funding models are becoming more common in urban redevelopment. READ MORE.

Energy Proposals in the PA House Have Mixed Receptions: Pennsylvania House Democrats have proposed an energy package aimed at lowering consumer costs, but a key provision to cap utility return on equity (ROE) is raising concerns from industry groups. Critics argue the cap could discourage billions in infrastructure investment—like grid upgrades and pipelines—potentially leading to long-term reliability issues and higher costs down the road. READ MORE.

Photo Caption: This week the ACE Mentor Central PA Chapter held its annual breakfast fundraiser, which honored this year’s scholarship winners. In the photo was the event’s keynote speaker, Rocky Bleier, who gave an inspiring address stressing the importance of resilience, teamwork and hard work. Rocky is seen with the ACE Mentor Centre County Scholarship Recipient Gilby Martin and Gilby’s family.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – The Top Stories for the Week Ending April 17, 2026

Here are the top Pennsylvania construction stories for the week:

$18M public-space construction project unveiled in Philadelphia: The Thomas Paine Plaza redesign officially debuted after a 3-year, $18 million construction effort, and it includes new public-use features (skate space, gathering areas, future statue installation). This signals continued urban redevelopment and public infrastructure investment ahead of major tourism events (World Cup, etc.). READ MORE.

Natural gas pipeline project back in play (regional impact): The long-delayed Constitution Pipeline (PA → NY) could be operational by 2027. It revives large-scale energy construction activity tied to Pennsylvania and it could drive pipeline, compressor station, and related infrastructure work across the state. READ MORE.

Data center construction boom—and pushback: Pennsylvania is at the center of a massive AI/data center construction surge (potentially $100B+). Local communities are increasingly pushing back over land use, environmental, and displacement concerns. This is one of the biggest long-term construction opportunities in PA—but also a growing source of zoning battles and permitting risk. READ MORE.

PHOTO CAPTION: This week the ACE Mentor Program hosted a construction hands-on day for high school students in Centre County. Special thanks to Hilti Group for bring all the construction equipment and to McCrossin for working with students to safely use the tools.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

The Pennsylvania Construction Recap – The Top Stories for the Week Ending April 10, 2026

Here are the top Pennsylvania construction stories this week:

Philadelphia Parking Garage Collapse: The construction community in Pennsylvania is deeply saddened by the tragic parking garage collapse in Philadelphia. On behalf of the KCA, we extend our deepest sympathy to the families of the Ironworkers involved. A parking garage under construction at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia partially collapsed, killing one worker and there are two missing, with others rescued. Early reports suggest a progressive “floor-by-floor” failure of the structure. READ MORE.

PennDOT’s $655M Construction Push (Northeast PA): PennDOT announced a record $655 million construction program for 2026. Includes: 67 new projects + 81 ongoing; work on 200 bridges; and, improvements to 80 miles of roadway. Key projects include: I-81 and I-84 upgrades (Scranton/Dunmore) and Major bridge replacements and interchange reconstructions. Why it matters: strong public-sector pipeline; significant bid opportunities for contractors; and, heavy demand for heavy highway, bridge, and materials sectors. READ MORE.

New State Park Development (Western PA): Laurel Caverns is becoming Pennsylvania’s first underground state park, opening April 22 with infrastructure upgrades. Why it matters: this shows growth in recreational construction & tourism infrastructure and public investment tied to economic development. Read More.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – The Top Stories for the Week Ending March 27, 2026

Here are the top Pennsylvania construction stories this week:

$17B Mega Energy Project Proposed for Southwest PA: A $17 billion natural gas-powered energy hub is being planned in southwestern Pennsylvania. The project could generate 4.3 GW of electricity (≈3 million homes) and support massive data center growth. It also includes potential transmission line construction and reflects a broader surge in energy + data infrastructure builds. Why it matters: This is one of the largest potential construction investments in the state and ties directly to AI/data center demand. READ MORE.

Fast-Track Program Accelerating Major Projects: Pennsylvania’s Permit Fast Track Program is speeding up approvals for large construction projects. Key developments include: Data centers (Amazon + others); Bellwether District (1,300-acre redevelopment in Philadelphia); PennSTART transportation test facility (Westmoreland County). Some projects are moving ~1 year faster than traditional timelines. Why it matters: Faster permitting = more predictable pipelines for contractors and developers. READ MORE.

PennDOT Construction & Infrastructure Investment: PennDOT continues major investments statewide, including: 230+ million in projects across northern PA and Work on 86 miles of roadway and 59 bridges. Example active project: $83.6 million US-422 reconstruction + bridge replacements in Montgomery County. Why it matters: Public infrastructure remains a steady driver of construction demand. READ MORE.

PHOTO CAPTION: This week the KCA held seminar three of four in the Building A Strong Workforce series. Thanks to Houck for hosting this event and a special thanks to Pro-A for developing this seminar series and delivering it to the region’s construction industry. Presenter Nikki Weir of Pro-A is seen in the photo with KCA’s Jon O’Brien. UP NEXT: The final presentation in this series will be held at Pennoni, for more information visit: Building A Strong Workforce, Seminar 4 of 4: Mental Health Resources, Wednesday, Apr 22 from 12 pm to 1:30 pm.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – The Top Stories for the Week Ending March 6, 2026

Here are the top Pennsylvania construction stories this week:

$15 Billion AI Data Center Moving Forward near Carlisle: One of the largest construction projects in Pennsylvania history just hit a major milestone. The project will include three campuses and up to 18 data center buildings across a 700-acre site. A $15 billion hyperscale AI data center campus in Middlesex Township (near Carlisle) received approval for a 450-MW power substation, enabling the first building phase to start. The estimated impact: 30,000 peak construction jobs, $3B in construction spending, and 270 permanent operations jobs. Pennsylvania is rapidly becoming a major AI and hyperscale data center hub due to energy access and proximity to East Coast markets. READ MORE.

Major Electrical Grid Expansion for Energy Demand: A large infrastructure investment is underway to support new development. FirstEnergy announced a $950 million transmission upgrade program across Pennsylvania and Ohio. This includes: New Substations, Rebuilt Transmissions Lines and Upgraded Electrical Infrastructure. Much of this work is being driven by power demand from data centers, electrification, and new industrial development. READ MORE.

Safety Incident Halts Washinton County Demolition Project: A demolition project in Washington County was temporarily stopped after an excavator fell into a pit during demolition work at a county government complex. These incidents often trigger OSHA reviews and construction safety discussions statewide. READ MORE.

Teamwork Improves Safety – Join the KCA Safety Email list and receive the Monday morning Safety Toolbox Talk to start the week with safety on your mind. To join contact the KCA: Jon@KeystoneContractors.com.

PHOTO CAPTION: A sports trivia fundraiser was held this week that supported Blood Cancer United! Sports Trivia emcee KCA Executive Director Jon O’Brien with one of the celebrity question readers Pennsylvania State Senator Dawn Keefer.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

KCA’s Response to the SOTU Address: Pennsylvania is Poised for Growth Through Data Center Construction & Economic Development

Harrisburg, PA — Following the President’s State of the Union Address, the Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) reaffirmed its optimism about Pennsylvania’s economic outlook—particularly as it relates to data center construction, infrastructure investment, and workforce development over the next year.

“Pennsylvania is uniquely positioned to lead the next phase of economic growth,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director, KCA. “From our energy assets and transportation network to a skilled construction workforce, the Commonwealth has the fundamentals in place to attract major private investment—especially in data centers and advanced facilities.”

Data center construction continues to emerge as a major driver of economic development nationwide, and Pennsylvania is increasingly on the radar of developers seeking reliable power, proximity to major markets, and shovel-ready sites. These projects generate thousands of family-sustaining construction jobs, expand local tax bases, and spur long-term demand for maintenance, upgrades, and supporting infrastructure.

KCA emphasized that turning opportunity into reality will require coordination between public leaders and the private sector.

“To fully capitalize on this moment, policymakers must prioritize permitting efficiency, workforce pipeline investment, and infrastructure readiness,” O’Brien noted. “Smart, predictable policy creates certainty for owners and developers—and certainty is what brings projects to the ground.”

Looking ahead to the next year, KCA expects steady growth across commercial, industrial, and energy-related construction, provided regulatory hurdles are addressed and workforce challenges are met head-on. Continued investment in apprenticeship programs, career and technical education, and construction safety initiatives will be critical to meeting demand.

“KCA members are ready to build,” O’Brien added. “With the right policy environment, Pennsylvania can remain competitive, attract transformative projects like data centers, and ensure economic growth that benefits communities across the Commonwealth.”

About the Keystone Contractors Association
The Keystone Contractors Association represents construction professionals across Pennsylvania, advocating for policies that promote safe jobsites, workforce development, and sustainable economic growth.

Media Contact: Jon O’Brien, Executive Director, Keystone Contractors Association

Phone: 717-731-6272 | Jon@KeystoneContractors.com | http://www.KeystoneContractors.com

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – The Top Stories for the Week Ending February 20, 2026

Here are the top Pennsylvania construction stories this week:

Johnson & Johnson Plans $1B Manufacturing Plant in Montgomery County: Global health care company Johnson & Johnson announced a more than $1 billion investment to build a next-generation cell therapy manufacturing facility in Lower Gwynedd Township. The project is expected to create over 4,000 construction jobs and about 500 permanent biomanufacturing positions, and is supported by state incentives from Pennsylvania. READ MORE.

State Senators from Both Sides of the Aisle Point to Barriers in Housing Construction: Pennsylvania legislators from both parties are calling attention to hurdles slowing housing development, saying “everything takes too damn long,” highlighting ongoing challenges in permitting and zoning that impact the construction sector. READ MORE.

KCA Scholarship Deadline Nearing – The deadline to submit in the 2026 KCA Scholarship Program is approaching… it’s March 1, 2026. Launched in 2022, this year’s KCA Scholarship awards will put the Association over $100,000. We see you next generation of construction leaders, and we want to help you succeed! For more information please visit: KCA Scholarship Program.

Scholarship recipients will be announced at this year’s Construction Celebration on June 8, 2026

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – The Top Stories for the Week Ending February 13, 2026

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Here are the top Pennsylvania construction stories this week:

Pennsylvania Unveils Longterm Housing Action Plan: The biggest construction-related story this week is Gov. Josh Shapiro’s announcement of Pennsylvania’s first comprehensive Housing Action Plan — a multi-year strategy aimed at jumpstarting housing construction, rehabilitation, and affordability across the state. The plan calls for:

  • A $1 billion initiative to support homebuilding, infrastructure, and related projects.
  • Modernizing planning and zoning rules to cut red tape that slows construction.
  • Expanded renter protections and homebuyer support to increase housing access.
  • A goal of building hundreds of thousands of new housing units by 2035 to address the state’s housing shortage.

This housing plan initiative is intended to boost construction activity statewide — especially in the residential sector — and tackle long-standing affordability and supply bottlenecks that have constrained new build. READ MORE.

Local Data Center Rezoning Blocked – Impacts Construction Planning: In Montour County, local regulators voted to deny a rezoning request for a planned data center development near an existing energy plant — a decision that could reshape how technology-related construction projects proceed in the state.

  • The plan was tied to facilities that would support large tech infrastructure and AI-oriented construction.
  • Opposition from residents and officials over environmental and utility concerns played a key role in the rezoning denial.

While this isn’t traditional “building construction” like housing or commercial buildings, data center infrastructure is one of the fastest-growing segments of construction and can involve large-scale campuses with extensive planning, zoning, and utility requirements, so this decision is significant for the industry. READ MORE.

2026 Pennsylvania Construction Hike For Hope: The KCA is proud to announce it will once again partner with the Master Builders’ Association of Western PA to bring the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Construction Hike For Hope to Pennsylvania. As part of this effort, the KCA and MBA will jointly host the 2026 Pennsylvania Construction Hike For Hope on Saturday, May 16, with two locations across Pennsylvania:

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – The Top Stories for the Week Ending February 6, 2026

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Here are the top stories from Pennsylvania:

New $3.5 B Lilly Manufacturing Facility Announced: Eli Lilly selected the Lehigh Valley for a major next-generation injectable medicines plant, expected to generate about 2,000 construction jobs. READ MORE.

Southern Berks Industrial Park Breaks Ground: Construction officially started on a massive 5.5 million-sq-ft Class A industrial park in Berks County, repurposing the former Bethlehem Steel site. Phase 1 aims for completion by late 2026, creating hundreds of construction jobs and boosting economic activity. READ MORE.

Pennsylvania Construction Industry Supports PA WORKS: KCA joins industry organizations in applauding State Representative Bryan Cutler for introducing legislation to launch Pennsylvania WORKS (Workforce, Opportunity, Retention & Knowledge Scholarships). Rep Cutler’s PA WORKS cosponsor memo. To read the KCA press release click here.

PHOTO CAPTION: Last week KCA representatives joined with Cumberland County elected officials and Cumberland Valley School District Directors for a tour of two of their construction projects – Green Ridge and Eagle View schools. Tours provided by Massaro Corporation and Lobar Inc.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!