With the proposed economic recovery stimulus package, I was hopeful that this would open up opportunities for the construction industry. One concern I have is how long it would take to see these public contracts available for bidding. For example, if there is a proposed construction contract to retrofit a bridge, it could take years to complete the engineering and prepare plans and specifications. Only then can the project go out to bid.
However, there are many projects where the engineering is completed but the projects have been shelfed because a lack of funding. These projects can possibly go out to bid much earlier. The question will be whether the plans are still relevant or whether there will be a need for revisions.
Time will tell when we can see the benefits of the economic recovery package to the construction industry.