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October 17, 2009 – In the wake of hurricanes Ike and Dolly, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has $620 million in its coffer to help rebuild damaged or destroyed residences. Houston contractors should be aware that it was just announced that the TDHCA will be spending $277,676 on repairs to Houston’s Tidwell Estates Apartments.  This low income rental development requires major roof reconstruction as a result of the storms.

It is the mission of the TDHCA to not only bring stability and comfort to those affected by Ike and Dolly, but to also aid the ailing construction economy.  All construction companies holding a Texas contractors license in the Houston area should pursue these community rebuilding contracts, as they offer steady income as well as peace of mind. To date, Texas has received close to $1.3 billion in federal dollars to aid in the state’s disaster recovery efforts.

jobtrio.com Staff
Construction Industry Newswire

October 21, 2009 – In the month of September, existing home purchases in the Austin, Texas area increased by 6.4 percent according to the Austin Board of Realtors, and the numbers seem to show that around half of those sales went to first time home buyers in the price range of $100K to $200K.  It is predicted that October will be an even stronger month, with sales up 24 percent from last year.  This is excellent news, not only for the regional economy as a whole, but particularly for the ailing construction industry that needs to see the existing surplus of lower-end houses depleted so that new construction can surge again.

A major contributor to this increase in sales, which is the first increase seen in the area in over two years, is the $8,000 federal tax credit available for qualifying first time home buyers.  This credit is available to buyers who, as a couple, make less than $150,000 a year or, as an individual, make less than $75,000 and have not owned a home in the previous three years.  Many fear that as the funds for this tax credit deplete, the recent home buying trend will turn south. Thus, there are currently several proposals in front of Congress to extend the stimulus.

Central Texas contractors are closely watching the housing market, as the health of their industry has traditionally being bound at the hip to the real estate market.  Lately, economists have been predicting that the region should see more and more recovery, with a full recovery likely to be achieved in early 2011.  These lean economic times will result in only the strongest construction businesses remaining to seize upon the market’s rebound.  In the meantime, construction companies which had previously based their business on new construction are diversifying into smaller contracts, like kitchen and bath remodeling.

jobtrio.com Staff
Construction Industry Newswire

November 30, 2009 – Leveraging federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the county of Winkler, Texas is planning a $2 million widening of State Highway 302. This project is intended to make the roadway safer, allow for increased commerce, and put Odessa construction contractors to work.

The construction will be kicking-off on Monday, as the County has fast tracked the project in order to take advantage of the federal dollars. It is expected that around 20 local builders will be employed on the project, including Midland contractors.

jobtrio.com Staff
Construction Industry Newswire

December 4, 2009 – City officials for Odessa, Texas are currently in the process of shoring-up $350 million in federal stimulus dollars for the construction of a $1.7 billion clean coal plant. The Summit plant project will be part of the Texas Clean Energy Project (NowGen). The plant’s construction would generate over 1,200 jobs, which would bring much needed relief to the likes of Odessa electricians.

The 400 megawatt Summit plant is to be located in Penwell, 20 miles west of Odessa. If the federal funding comes through as expected, the plant project has a planned completion for 2014. Thus, the construction could bring years of steady work to Odessa HVAC contractors and other tradesmen.

jobtrio.com Staff
Construction Industry Newswire

December 6, 2009 – For years, the city of San Marcos, Texas has been pursuing the concept of a drastic makeover for the downtown region around Hutchison Street, LBJ Drive and University Drive. The first steps are soon to be taken on the back of a drainage system rework for the city which is going to require some minor features of the downtown region to be altered. The Hutchison Street Drainage Project will be moving forward within the next few months, which should provide some profitable work to San Marcos electricians and other tradesman.

As far as the bigger picture for the downtown region, San Marcos construction contractors are still awaiting the funding of an ambitious plan that includes wider sidewalks and new street lamps.

jobtrio.com Staff
Construction Industry Newswire