Posts Tagged ‘Army Corps of Engineers’

4 Years Post-Katrina Construction Outlook in New Orleans is Optimistic

On September 8, 2009 Author By Scott Wolfe Jr        

Just last week, New Orleans marked the 4 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.  Coverage of the anniversary looked back on the somber experience, and then looked forward to the city’s continued progress.

Construction Outlook is Optimistic

The construction market in New Orleans has managed to largely avoid the national recession, giving Hurricane Katrina a silver lining.  As four years have now passed since the storm, many are wondering:  can the construction boom continue?

Fortunately for regional contractors, the answer seems to be yes.

In July, we reported at the Construction Law Monitor that the Army Corps of Engineers were seeking more contractors to perform federal levee projects.   Just last week, the Corps reported more good news for infrastructure projects in Louisiana stating plans to spend $1 billion to restore wetlands.

And while much has already been spent to rebuild the Crescent City, on Katrina’s anniversary President Obama vowed to speed the nation’s recovery effort.  In the New York Times article covering the topic, it was reported that the government has freed up “hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance that has not been distributed.”

Legal Information About Public Works Projects

There’s a lot to be optimistic about in the South Louisiana construction industry…but, most heavy spending projects are publicly funded.   Those who have experience working on public projects aren’t concerned about this, but many companies who ordinary focus on private work may be shaking in their boots.    There’s no need to be concerned.

While public contracts certainly have unique requirements and details, it doesn’t need to be foreign territory.   Here are some blog posts here at the Construction Law Monitor to help the private contractor better understanding public contracting:

  • The Public Contracting Category.   You can start by reading the articles posted in the “Public Contracting” category.
  • The Stimulus Package and Your Construction Business.   This blog posts discusses the difference between public and private contracts, and explains how your company can get federal and public work.
  • E-Verify.   A hot topic in federal contracting, your company should read and learn about the new e-verify requirements when preparing work on a federal contract.
Posted in:     Construction News, State & Federal Contracting  /  Tags: , ,   /   Leave a comment

More Contractors Sought in New Orleans?

On July 7, 2009 Author By Scott Wolfe Jr        

Over the weekend, the New Orleans Times Picayune had some promising news for contractors in the area, and even out-of state laborers and contractors:

Over the next several months, the Army Corps of Engineers plans to advertise three dozen construction contracts that could cost upwards of $3 billion — more than it has spent since Hurricane Katrina…

So vast and compressed is the construction schedule that corps representatives have advised contractors to consider importing out-of-state labor, lining up temporary housing for employees and working around the clock.

This is certainly welcome news for Louisiana contractors, who are constantly reading grim economic forecasts for the rest of the nation.   Thus far, the post-Katrina market has seemingly insulated the region from economic peril, as New Orleans and Baton Rouge have maintained robust construction markets throughout the downturn.

If your company is going to bid for a piece of the Corps spending, be sure to enter into contracts carefully and protect your company’s right to payment throughout the job.

Here are two important things to keep in mind:

Contracting:  Contacting an attorney – like Wolfe Law Group – to review your contracts can pay dividends on the project.   A simple contract review can cost as little as $1000.00, but give your company a better understanding of its rights and obligations under the agreement, and sometimes even point out provisions that can be altered to your company’s benefit.

Just because a contract is put before your company, doesn’t mean it needs to be signed in that form.  Frequently, contractors and project owners are willing to negotiate common terms, and simple changes to critical provisions can later save your company thousands.

Read more about construction contracts on our blog here.

Liens: Since they will be funded by the Corps, these projects are all likely to be public.   However, just because a project is public doesn’t mean your company is without “lien” rights.   Louisiana’s Public Works Act allows unpaid companies to file “Statements of Claims” that protect a company’s right to get paid…and since federal and state projects are nearly always bonded, the Statements of Claims can be a very powerful and effective collections tool.

However, filing successfully under the Public Works Act begins before you step foot on the job-site.

Learn more about public liens and the Public Works Act here.

And for more information about the Corps projects and legal representation from Wolfe Law Group on these types of projects, contact us today.

Posted in:     Construction News, State Bond Claims  /  Tags: , , ,   /   Leave a comment