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Appeal may delay start date for E-Verify
One week after a judge upheld a government system to check federal contractors鈥� immigration status, the matter is back in court. Lawyers for business groups including the Associated Builders and Contractors have appealed the requirement that contractors use the E-Verify system. The system, used to check whether employees can legally work in the country, is currently optional in Oregon.
Big labor deals are slow to emerge
Nearly seven months after President Barack Obama signed an order encouraging project labor agreements on big construction projects, no such agreement has surfaced in Oregon. As more federal stimulus projects begin, however, the state could be among the first to use the agreements. Project labor agreements, or PLAs, set bargaining terms with labor organizations in advance.
Railroads could hold up high-speed trains
A federal grant could speed passenger trains in Oregon. But not everyone is on board yet. The Oregon Department of Transportation asked for $2.1 billion for rail improvements that promise to cut travel time between Portland and Eugene, but trains won鈥檛 go anywhere without an agreement from the railway owners and users.
Oregon slow to adopt federal stimulus program
A federal stimulus program designed to spur public construction has taken off across the country, with agencies in 34 states spending more than $17.4 billion, according to a July 20 report from the U.S. Treasury Department. Meanwhile, Oregon state officials waited on the sidelines. They鈥檙e still waiting.
Oregon slow to use Build America Bonds
Oregon has many "shovel-ready" projects that could qualify for funding through Build America bonds, which are subsidized by President Obama's stimulus bill. But state and local agencies are moving cautiously, seeking the best deal.
Oregon will be test market for electric vehicle study
Oregon could receive up to 1,000 Nissan electric vehicles and 2,500 charging stations soon after being chosen as a test market for a study on electric vehicles by the Electric Transportation Engineering Corp. eTec recently received $99.8 million in federal funding to study electric vehicle usage; the study will guide national standards for electric vehicle adoption in the future.
Oregon will be test market for electric vehicle study
Oregon could receive up to 1,000 Nissan electric vehicles and 2,500 charging stations soon after being chosen as a test market for a study on electric vehicles by the Electric Transportation Engineering Corp. eTec recently received $99.8 million in federal funding to study electric vehicle usage; the study will guide national standards for electric vehicle adoption in the future.
News
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $10.6 million in top bidders | July 31, 2026
- Many Oregon counties struggling to maintain their fairgrounds
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion
