Georgia Contracts: 33% Overall Drop in May

All sectors declined as the value of Georgia’s May contracts for future construction fell 33% compared to the same period of a year ago, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, publisher of Southeast Construction. The total value of new contracts was roughly $1.8 billion, down from last May’s $2.7 billion.

In May, the value of residential contracts fell 36% compared to last May to total roughly $806.5 million. Meanwhile, nonresidential contracts declined by 26% for a total of about $714.4 million. Nonbuilding construction – which includes streets, highways, bridges and other infrastructure – declined by 38%, for an approximately $278.2 million total.

For the year-to-date, the value of new Georgia contracts is 32% behind 2007’s pace, with roughly $7.5 billion in project starts. The residential market is 51% behind ‘07, with roughly $3.1 billion in new projects so far this year. The nonresidential market is just 3% behind last year, with about $3.3 billion in new project starts. The nonbuilding sector is 22% behind ’07, with about $1.1 billion in new starts.

Doster Building $40.7M Lanier High School

Georgia’s Gwinnett County School System has selected Doster Construction Co. of Atlanta to serve as general contractor for its $40.7 million Lanier High School.

The 434,000-sq-ft project includes 326,645 sq ft of new structure, and 107,652 sq ft of renovation. The school will be constructed with exterior/interior CMU. The exterior will be covered with brick walls, metal panels and an aluminum storefront. The project is expected to require 20 months for construction.

Georgia Branch AGC Celebrates 80th, Major Achievements

The Georgia Branch of Associated General Contractors of America celebrated its selection as AGC’s national “Chapter of the Year” and other notable accomplishments at its recent annual convention, held in June in Destin, Fla.

That award was originally presented at AGC of America’s annul convention in Las Vegas, Nev. The Georgia Branch AGC also took two top honors from the national meeting. Mike Dunham, executive vice president, was named “Chapter Executive of the Year,” while its 2007-2008 chapter president, Rick Allen of R.W. Allen in August, was named “Chapter President of the Year.”

At the chapter convention in Destin, Georgia AGC presented Ray Morris of Venture Construction Co. in Norcross, with its annual “SIR Award.” The chapter also presented its annual Build Georgia awards, with more than 30 member firms receiving recognition.

Batson-Cook Expanding Diverse Power’s Headquarters

Batson-Cook Co. has started construction on the $8 million expansion of the LaGrange, Ga., headquarters of Diverse Power. The project will allow the member-owned electric cooperative to streamline the electrical services it provides to its customers.

The general contractor will expand the sheltered truck storage by 26,000 sq ft and provide a new 16,000-sq-ft utility maintenance facility and garage. Batson-Cook also will add a fuel station and truck wash.

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