In this section, Informed Infrastructure compiles infographics from trusted sources that reveal insight on infrastructure spending. We also compile some of the top infrastructure stories that shouldn’t be missed. For ongoing news coverage, turn to Informed Infrastructure online (www.informedinfrastructure.com), our Twitter feed (@IInfrastructure) and our weekly e-newsletter.

Report: 80 Percent of Construction Firms Have Difficulty Filling Hourly Craft Positions

According to an industry-wide survey from Autodesk and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), 80 percent of construction firms are having a difficult time filling hourly positions. Craft worker shortages pose a significant risk to future economic growth as the demand for construction continues to grow.

“With a rise in the share of firms having trouble finding skilled craft workers, it’s evident that we need to reskill the future workforce,” said Sarah Hodges, senior director, construction business line with Autodesk. “Technology can help bridge this gap, and more firms are bringing training inhouse to implement digital strategies such as building information modeling (or BIM) to ease staffing challenges and train the next generation of industry professionals.”

Due to the tight labor-market conditions, firms are adjusting their operations and increasing base pay, improving employee benefits and providing incentives to attract workers, according to the survey.

In response to the growing problem, AGC recently released a Workforce Development Plan that can be found at https://bit.ly/2wuR8sC, along with regional and state results and analyses.

Agreement Reached on U.S. Water Infrastructure Bill

Senate and House lawmakers reached an agreement on America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, a bipartisan water infrastructure bill that will reauthorize billions of dollars in federal spending on ports, harbors and waterways as well as deauthorize inefficient spending on water projects.

The water infrastructure bill requires re-authorization every two years. The 2018 version authorizes $4.4 million in funds for a safe drinking-water program, Drinking Water State Revolving funds, which was last authorized 22 years ago. The bill also would help reduce flooding risks for rural, western and coastal communities.