Some construction projects in Maryland are costing tens of millions of dollars more than original estimates, in large measure because of a lack of skilled trades in the region.
The increase in price for just two large projects at the University of Maryland? About $64 million.
“It was about 2014 when the labor shortages started appearing, first in the D.C. submarkets then in Baltimore a couple years later, then fairly prevalent throughout the state now,” said Maryland Center for Construction Education & Innovation President Bob Ayudkovic.
He said that the labor shortages in Maryland, and nationally, can be traced back to the Great Recession of 2008 to 2009.
The Board of Public Works on Nov. 20 tabled votes on $64 million more for two projects? the University’s Cole Field House, and the construction and design of a new residence hall and replacement dining facility.
Click here to read the rest of the article written by Teresa Johnson over at the Washington Post