Operating under the designation as an essential business as modified by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, the construction industry is pressing forward with infrastructure renewal and environmental protection projects in the downstate New York region, announced the Construction Industry Council of Westchester and the Hudson Valley.
“Construction work is continuing and we’re taking every precaution to ensure everyone is safe, protected and productive,” said John Cooney, Jr., executive director of the Construction Industry Council of Westchester and Hudson Valley Inc. “Crews are showing up fit for duty and public agencies are planning to continue with bid lettings for projects, even as work-arounds to accommodate social distancing are ironed out.”
While certain projects have been slowed or delayed due to staffing shortages, contracting employers and organized labor leaders are hopeful key personnel and crews can continue to deliver on public projects, including protecting and upgrading water resources and utilities, highways and telecommunications services.
Contractors are revising protocols to keep workers and the public safe and to mitigate coronavirus transmission. Cooney described the manner in which the industry is working as “uber-attentive” to changing conditions. “We have safety protocols on projects and in jobsite trailers like I’ve never witnessed in my 40 years of working in construction.”
Construction activity continues in the downstate region, with bucket trucks, cranes and crews showing up on projects. “The work is ongoing,” said Jeff Loughlin, business manager of Operating Engineers 137 of Briarcliff Manor, New York. “But it’s very serious, and on construction sites everyone is mindful of best practices to mitigate risk. We are taking extensive precautions to protect our crews and their families.”
Business is continuing at Argenio Brothers Inc., a major asphalt installer in New Windsor, New York. “The supply chain has been slightly interrupted and our ability to get materials has been hampered, but we’re trying to push forward,” said Principal Genaro Argenio.
Argenio applauded Gov. Cuomo for making construction an essential work activity. “Construction being exempt from stoppage is the right thing to do. That’s where the money starts, and the economy starts – at the ground level. Good infrastructure is essential to maintain our quality of life.”
