Project abandonments surged 10.7% in the past month, according to Cincinnati-based ConstructConnect’s Project Stress Index, which measures paused, abandoned, or delayed construction projects.

• Delayed bid activity showed no change in June, while work put on hold decreased by 6.6%. Overall, the Project Stress Index rose by 1.5% last month.

“Among abandoned projects, it is very possible that this number is being fueled by only a few severely impacted subcategories,” said Michael Guckes, chief economist at ConstructConnect. “Chief among suspects are private offices which continue to gravely struggle against current financial market conditions.”

The latest data highlights differences between public and private construction projects.

• Private projects put on hold fell by about 11.5% year over year.

• Public projects put on hold, including infrastructure work, increased by 5.2%.

Despite the overall decrease, developers in Boston paused work on a life sciences project due to an oversupply of space and slow demand. Leggat McCall Properties began work in 2022 but halted activity due to market conditions. Similarly, LG Energy Solutions temporarily paused part of its $5.5 billion battery manufacturing complex in Arizona, citing market conditions.

Public project abandonments increased by 3.6% year over year, while private project abandonments soared by 48.7%.

“Public abandonments are near 2021 levels, which is a relief in today’s volatile construction economy,” said Guckes. “Unfortunately, in the private realm, abandonments continue to be a significant problem for contractors who will find it hard to manage workflows and keep their crews busy while being subject to the risk of projects being abandoned.”

Wildfires in California are escalating risks for millions living near oil and gas wells, raising concerns about explosions and pollution. A study in One Earth reveals that over 100,000 wells in high fire-risk areas, primarily in California, endanger nearly 3 million people. These wells, both active and inactive, are hazardous during wildfires.

Key points:

• High-Risk Locations: Mainly in Los Angeles, Fresno, Kern, and Orange counties.

• Historical Incidents: Examples include the 2015 Aliso Canyon gas leak and 2017 Thomas Fire.

• Increasing Threat: The number of wells in wildfire zones has surged and is expected to grow further.

Recent legislation in California bans new wells near homes and schools and allocates funds for plugging abandoned wells. Despite these efforts, the study highlights the need for stronger actions to reduce fossil fuel reliance and protect communities, especially those disproportionately affected, like Black, Latino, and Native American populations. Strategies include limiting drilling in high-risk areas, enhancing monitoring technologies, and enforcing stricter safety regulations.

PeopleForBikes’ City Ratings data highlights significant progress in U.S. cities' bike networks, driven by policy changes and infrastructure enhancements.

• Minneapolis, MN: +54 points

• Saint Paul, MN: +52 points

For more insights on improvements and other cities making strides,visit PeopleforBikes

The company behind a tech development in Solano County, California, has pulled a ballot measure for the California Forever project, reports Adhiti Bandlamudi for KQED. They will now collaborate with the county on zoning changes and an environmental impact report before resubmitting the proposal.

Critics raise concerns about the project's reliance on imported water and its potential negative impact on the Jepson Prairie and vernal pools. Initially, company spokespeople suggested addressing these issues post-approval. Now, they must address them during the environmental impact report over the next two years.

• Potential Deficit: The county's fiscal impact report projects a $103.1 million deficit.

• Firefighting Costs: The project could require over $88 million in firefighting services.

• Community Impact: Although the company claims no impact on local taxpayers, the county's findings suggest otherwise.