Construction News for the Week Ending July 24, 2026
Skanska Records High Order Bookings Amid Market Optimism
Skanska, a Stockholm-based contractor, reported a record 68 billion Swedish krona in order bookings for the second quarter, with 39.5 billion krona from the U.S. The company’s backlog reached 297.5 billion krona, up 11% year over year, providing 21 months of construction work. Despite concerns about rising material prices and data center pushback, Skanska remains optimistic about the market, particularly in data centers and civil infrastructure.
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Tutor Perini Secures $140M Choctaw Casino Project
Tutor Perini Building Corp. won a $140 million contract to renovate and expand the Choctaw Casino & Resort in Oklahoma. The project includes renovations to the existing hotel and casino, new food and gaming venues, and a new seven-story hotel tower with a spa, fitness center, and pool.
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U.S. Electricity Supply Gap Predicted by Bank of America
Bank of America analysts predict a significant electricity supply gap in the U.S. over the next five years, driven by rapid AI computing infrastructure deployment and data center growth. Utilities are struggling to meet demand, leading data center developers to pursue onsite generation and utilities to extend coal plant operations and explore battery storage and transmission upgrades. The analysts highlight the crucial role of natural gas, particularly reciprocating engines, in bridging the supply gap, while also noting the challenges of permitting and building new transmission infrastructure.
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Construction Input Prices Dip 1.1% in June, Expected to Rise
Construction input prices decreased 1.1% in June due to lower oil prices, but are expected to rise again due to the Iran war and tariffs on commodities like iron, steel, and copper. Despite the decrease, overall construction input prices are still 7.6% higher than a year ago.
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Burns & McDonnell Chosen for Chiefs’ $300M Headquarters
The Kansas City Chiefs have selected Burns & McDonnell as the owner’s representative for their new $300 million headquarters and practice facility in Olathe, Kansas. The facility, expected to open in 2031, will be part of a larger $4.5 billion investment that includes a new $3 billion stadium in Wyandotte County.
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Trump Imposes 50% Tariff on Canadian Imports
President Trump imposed a 50% tariff on many imports from Canada, effective August 19th, citing discriminatory trade practices. The tariffs, justified under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, target various products, including alcohol, dairy, and motor vehicles. This move escalates the ongoing trade war between the two countries, despite the USMCA agreement.
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Impact of Trump’s Tariff on Canadian Imports
President Trump’s proposed 50% tariff on Canadian imports, effective August 19th, will impact general contractors by increasing costs and uncertainty. The tariff, particularly affecting cement, will likely lead to higher bids, reduced project scope, and potential disputes over cost allocation. Contractors are advised to review existing contracts, obtain updated supplier quotes, and consider including materials escalation clauses in future agreements.
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Construction’s Busy Season Begins
Construction’s busy season has begun, with builders taking advantage of longer days and warmer temperatures to deliver on projects. Major contractors have announced successful bids for projects, including megaprojects with yearslong pipelines.
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Data Center Projects Boost Extended Stay Demand
Data center projects are driving significant extended stay demand, particularly during construction phases, in markets like Atlanta, Phoenix, and Austin. While some hotel brands are seeing increased demand, others are experiencing uneven results, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of this demand due to the limited workforce required to operate data centers.
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Tutor Perini Secures $140M Choctaw Casino Project
Tutor Perini Building Corp. won a $140 million contract to renovate and expand the Choctaw Casino & Resort in Oklahoma. The project includes renovations to the existing hotel and casino, new food and gaming venues, and a new seven-story hotel tower with a spa, fitness center, and pool.
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June Construction Activity Slows Amid Mixed Sector Trends
Construction activity slowed in June after a busy May, with total starts falling 19.9% month over month. While nonresidential and non-building construction saw declines, commercial construction rose, driven by warehouse, hotel, and retail projects.
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Apprentice Electrician Sues for Harassment and Retaliation
Madalyn Jennings, the only woman apprentice electrician at the Hanford Vit Plant, filed a lawsuit against her supervisor, George Elgin, and Bechtel National. The lawsuit alleges persistent sexual harassment, retaliation, and a lack of reasonable accommodations, leading to Jennings’ and her husband’s termination. The construction industry has a history of harassment and discrimination, particularly against women.
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H-1B Visa Cap Reached for 2027
The H-1B visa program has reached its cap for the 2027 fiscal year, with 65,000 petitions accepted through the regular cap and an additional 20,000 through the master’s cap. Despite hurdles like the proposed $100,000 fee and Project Firewall, the program remains popular among large employers like Amazon, Apple, and Google.
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FlatironDragados Appoints New Leadership for Strategic Growth
FlatironDragados appointed Richard Grabinski as president of FD-USA and Dale Nelson as COO. These appointments are part of the company’s strategic moves to strengthen execution, expand capabilities, and position the company for future growth.
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MDTA RFQ for Key Bridge Rebuild Main Span Construction
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) released a request for qualifications (RFQ) for the construction of the main span and marine approaches of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. This is the largest of four contracts for the Key Bridge Rebuild project, which includes the construction of a cable-stayed bridge, concrete pylons, and approach bridges. The MDTA will announce a reduced candidate list later this fall and a project notice to proceed in the summer of 2027.
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Rising Energy and Water Use in U.S. Data Centers
Data centers are consuming increasing amounts of energy and water, complicating efforts to protect residents’ health and safety. U.S. data centers consumed an estimated 183 TWh of electricity in 2024, with demand projected to grow 133% by 2030. Water use is also a concern, with data centers consuming an estimated 17 billion gallons of water in 2023.
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