President’s message: Rhode Island market musings - by Frederick Mason III

Frederick Mason III, ABC

Cranes in Providence? That’s the prediction of mayor Jorge Elorza in his recent State of the City address. Elorza claimed that 2016 will see cranes in the Providence skyline, several years after the capital city has endured severe development doldrums. The Elorza Administration stated that about $704.4 million from 32 projects are in various stages of review and approval. Already underway is the $220 million South Street Landing development, transforming a former power plant into a medical research and education complex. The parcels in the former I-195 corridor are also attracting attention. There is a plan for a 1.1 million s/f bioscience center and mixed-use development by Wexford Science & Technology of Baltimore, as well as smaller projects on other parcels and in the nearby Knowledge District.

While it is expected that controversial project labor agreements (PLAs) will be put on most of the development of I-195 land, limiting much of the skilled labor jobs to unions, ABC-RI expects that the sheer volume and pace of these projects will provide opportunities for ABC merit shop members to gain work on these projects as well. Here’s hoping the shadows of the future will be those of cranes and much new construction in Providence!

Rhody’s Robust Talent Pool – The much discussed issue of workforce development is a real concern in many sectors of the economy in Rhode Island. However, it is clear that Rhode Island has a large, talented pool of engineers and contractors. The newest edition of Providence Business News (PBN) Book of Lists shows 18 engineering companies and 28 construction contractors employing nearly 3,000 professionals in the Ocean State. Thankfully, most are continuing to grow at an impressive pace. However, as PBN editor Mark Murphy noted, many are doing most of their work out of state. As for ABC members, several are finding much of their work in Greater Boston, Worcester, and southeastern Massachusetts, even New Hampshire and Connecticut. As the economy slowly improves and RI economic development incentives attract new business, ABC members are looking forward to again spend most of their workday in the Ocean State.

Apprentices du jour! ABC – RI’s apprentice training program, The Rhode Island Construction Training Academy (RICTA), has seen an uptick in enrollment this year. Over 250 students are currently attending classes in eight different trades, the highest enrollment in nine years! Our kudos to director Kristen Brescia and her team of skilled instructors who are delivering dozens of well-trained and skilled construction professionals to help build the future of Rhode Island.

Frederick Mason III is the president of ABC Rhode Island.