New York State has expanded it prevailing wage law to include private projects worth $5 million or more and that have received public subsidies of at least 30% of total construction costs.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the provision as part of the fiscal year 2021 budget on April 3. The definition of public subsidy includes:
· Direct or indirect payments by a public entity to contractors, subcontractors, developers, or owners that do not have to be repaid
· Savings from fees, rents, interest rates, other loan costs or insurance costs that are below market rate
· Savings from tax credits, tax abatements, tax exemptions, tax increment financing and payments in lieu of taxes
· Any other cost savings due to the involvement of a public entity
· Loans that are to be repaid on a contingent basis, and credits against loan repayments or other obligations.
There are exemptions such as tax credits for brownfield remediation and redevelopment. Projects not covered under the new law include owner-occupied single- or two-family dwellings, properties of four dwellings or less, certain not-for-profit projects, construction work performed under select pre-hire collective-bargaining agreements, projects funded by the state’s Urban Development Corporation Act or Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and certain school, historic, and renewable energy projects.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
LEED residential market up 19% since 2017
The U.S. Green Building Council says that the LEED residential market has grown 19% since 2017. Nearly 500,000 single family, multifamily, and affordable housing units have been certified globally.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Slower speed limits in urban areas offer multiple benefits
Improved safety, better adoption of electric scooters and autonomous vehicles are possible if drivers ease off the accelerator.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Renewables creating significant savings for commercial and public facilities
Payback ranges from five to 15 years.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Oregon rescinds tsunami-zone construction ban
Other states have no ban, but have strengthened building codes for tidal wave resilience.
Urban Planning | Aug 27, 2019
Pop-up parks revitalize empty lots
Pop-up parks that provide instant open areas for public use and programming can revitalize under-utilized spaces and add vibrancy to neighborhoods.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
Texas flood prevention initiative would create nation’s most ambitious barrier system
Plan including sand dunes and mechanical barriers would cost as much as $32 billion.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
Multimedia app identifies construction hazards
Researchers say program will reduce injuries, save lives.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
Cities take action to keep cool as climate heats up
Initiatives include cool streets, cool roofs, and broader urban tree canopy.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
5G expected to give a boost to construction technology
Virtual reality, Internet of Things, robotics, and drones will all benefit from enhanced data flows.
Codes and Standards | Aug 15, 2019
New edition of Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete available
American Concrete Institute document includes major technical changes.