Among the many things that have come to light during the COVID-19 pandemic is the critical importance of infrastructure. Infrastructure is not only important to our nation’s economy, but also to our future and quality of life.
For example, just this fall, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced it was dispersing $1 billion in infrastructure investments through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) discretionary grants program. BUILD funding supports road, bridge, transit, rail and port projects in communities large and small.
According to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, “These vital infrastructure investments benefit Americans across the country, knowing that communities need robust modern infrastructure to thrive. These vital investments make our economy stronger, our families safer, and our roads less congested.”
The DOT awarded $3.8 billion in BUILD grants and $3.4 billion in Infrastructure For Rebuilding America (INFRA) grants to communities across the country. Of that, it awarded $2.9 billion to better address the needs of rural America and $960 million in Opportunity Zones.
In fact, in this edition of the Business Magazine, we’ll examine some of the exciting progress that has been made when it comes to construction and revitalization in the tri-state region, including many of the improvements being made by Perry Construction Group, Inc. The family owned firm has been a premier general contractor for 30 years and has a rich history in the area’s ongoing development and public works projects and more.
We’ll also talk with John Persinger, chief executive officer of the Erie Downtown Development Corporation, on the dynamic transformation going on in the City of Erie’s core and why there’s never been a better time to invest in it — as well as what’s in store for the EDDC in the coming year.
Additionally, we’ll hear from Attorney Fabio Fortunato of MacDonald Illig on the CDC’s order to prohibit residential evictions and what exactly it entails. And we’ll also share some insights from our MBA training instructor Greg Safran on the top OSHA safety violations — and what employers need to do to keep their employees safe.
Plus, don’t miss our special section celebrating the MBA’s training graduates and our exclusive coverage of the 2020 MFG Day, which was held virtually this year.
As always, for more information about the Association and its many programs and services, visit www.mbausa.org!
