Group says construction can’t survive ‘shut downs’

The Associated Builders and Contractors Ohio Valley on Wednesday requested that Gov. Mike DeWine keep construction sites open as the state works to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade group representing nearly 21,000 members with local operations based in Springboro, according to its website.

“Unless every business and the entire economy is shut down” due to the coronavirus, “construction job sites should remain up and running,” the local association said in a news release.

“The construction industry is dominated by small businesses and many could not survive lengthy shut downs,” the group said.

These firms are already anticipating payment delays, according to the local ABC.

“If the government sites are shut down for employees, it may actually be an ideal time to increase maintenance and construction projects that would normally slow down employee,” said John Morris, ABC Ohio Valley Chapter president. “The roads have never been less traveled.”

Construction sites may have large numbers of individuals, but they are rarely in groups working closely together, according to the association.

Workers always wear protective equipment such as masks and gloves, the group said.

ABC is founded on the merit shop philosophy, helps members develop staff, and promotes worker safety and ethics, according to its website.

It is a “small family firms, specialty organizations, as well as medium sized companies and large corporations,” its website states.

Contact this reporter at 937-225-2166 or email Nick.Blizzard@coxinc.com.