AGC cheers stimulus deal with Canada

By: Justin Carinci//February 5, 2010//

AGC cheers stimulus deal with Canada

Justin Carinci//February 5, 2010//

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Long an opponent of the “buy American” provisions of the federal stimulus package, the Associated General Contractors of America today cheered the announcement of a deal with Canada.

Under the deal, widely reported this morning, Canadian firms could supply stimulus projects in the U.S. In return, American firms would get more access to Canadian projects.

Stephen Sandherr, the AGC‘s chief executive, said the deal will allow dozens of projects to move ahead without the need for a waiver.

In Portland last week, AGC Chief Economist Ken Simonson said that agencies had gotten quicker at issuing waivers, but the American sourcing requirements were still causing unnecessary delays in projects. Often, especially in water and sewer projects, no American-made parts are available, he said.