New state initiative could quicken capital project completion time

Gov. Josh Shapiro has announced a new directive for Pennsylvania agencies under his jurisdiction to evaluate and implement the appropriate use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) on state projects.

Agencies will use PLAs on future projects in every instance when the project meets the following criteria: need and urgency; complexity of the project; lack of available qualified labor.

“PLAs guarantee a steady, consistent supply of workers with the right skills to get the job done and set wages and benefits for all workers up front, and often result in major construction projects that get delivered on time or early, on or under budget,” Shapiro said in a statement. “If we follow my new roadmap, we can use more PLAs, and get more quality projects done with skilled labor, on time and on budget, and create more opportunity for Pennsylvanians in the process.”

Dept. of General Services (DGS) will partner with agencies to attach PLAs to solicitations when DGS and the agency establish the need for urgency of the project, recognize the project’s complexity, or if concerns exist about the availability of qualified labor.

“Skilled labor is crucial for rebuilding infrastructure, and Gov. Shapiro’s guidance to incorporate PLAs can facilitate the efficient and timely completion of capital projects,” DGS Secretary Reggie McNeil said. “Our commitment at DGS is to leverage PLAs whenever appropriate to ensure Pennsylvania’s capital projects are executed effectively and inclusively, utilizing skilled labor to meet project timelines and deliver quality outcomes for our residents.”

PennDOT will attach PLAs to solicitations if a project meets the same criteria of a particular need and urgency, complexity, or if there is a concern about the availability of qualified labor. The governor’s new guidance calls for PLAs to be used on all future projects in every instance where the requisite urgency, complexity, and availability of qualified labor are demonstrated.

“Of all the states in the Mid-Atlantic region, Pennsylvania’s construction industry has an especially impressive history of creating opportunities for local workers and businesses,” said Dennis Martire, vice president and Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager of LIUNA.