Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and Merit Canada Feb. 13 signed a joint resolution outlining their partnership agreement and commitment to free enterprise and the merit shop philosophy, under which construction contracts are awarded to construction companies based on merit.

"ABC is thrilled to be working hand in hand with the Merit Canada to promote the merit shop philosophy and free enterprise," said 2014 ABC National Chairman Dan Brodbeck, president and CEO of Compass Partners, LLC. "Together, we can address key issues relevant to construction contractors in North America, including developing our workforce and ensuring each worker returns home to his or her family at the end of the day by working toward world-class safety on every jobsite."

"This joint resolution with ABC is a great opportunity to engage in cross-border cooperation to further our goals on important North American construction industry issues such as safety and workforce development," said Merit Canada President Terrance Oakey. In the joint resolution, both ABC and Merit Canada commit to:

• Support the merit shop and free-enterprise philosophies;
• Improve the construction industry and help contractors provide rewarding long-term careers for their employees in the construction industry;
• Encourage and promote the safety and welfare of all employees in the construction industry;
• Support government policies that encourage and facilitate the awarding of contracts without regard to protectionism;
• Increase international business opportunities for firms and reduce barriers to the employment of workers outside their home countries should be reduced;
• Provide services to the construction industry in both Canada and the U.S.; and
• Work together to facilitate more effective service delivery for their respective members.

State lawmakers anticipate spending big on road maintenance and priority construction projects in 2014. After a brutal winter has drained most transportation project and winter road maintenance budgets, the Michigan House and Senate continue to discuss additional funds for pothole maintenance and other road repairs. 

The Senate has passed a $360 million supplemental budget bill that includes $100 million for roads from the state's reserve fund that is typically set aside for "priority construction projects." The funding is designated for special winter road maintenance, which includes snow and ice removal, pot hole patching, crack sealing, emergency repairs and bridge maintenance. This one-time funding cannot be used on capital projects like reconstruction or resurfacing. 

A House version of the budget includes $100 million in general funds for roads, plus $115 million from the reserve fund. The House Appropriations Committee will vote on the version currently under consideration. Should the House's version, which includes less funding for different priorities such as the Detroit Metro Transit Authority and other budget areas pass, the House and Senate may need to conference to create a compromise bill. However House and Senate leaders on both sides of the aisle have expressed their desire to inject this money on top of normal funding streams.