FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) plans to invest an estimated $145 million on maintenance and rail capacity expansion projects in Illinois this year.

BNSF will replace two bridges in Princeton and Wyanet, and construct a new siding 7,600 feet long between Barstow and Hillsdale. Three departure tracks at the Galesburg Yard will be extended to a length of 10,000 feet each, and track and parking will be added to BNSFs Logistics Park Chicago and Corwith Intermodal facilities in the Chicago area.

BNSF will also continue its robust maintenance program in Illinois, which will include about 2,700 miles of track surfacing and undercutting work, and the replacement of 90 miles of rail and more than 150,000 railroad ties, as well as signal upgrades for federally mandated positive train control (PTC).

BNSFs capital investments in Illinois will help ensure our network is prepared for growing demand for freight rail, said Matthew K. Rose, chairman and chief executive officer. We are focused on investing to meet our customers expectations and on expanding capacity where growth is occurring. Given the importance of a low cost supply chain to the U.S. economy, our privately funded rail infrastructure is well positioned to help Illinois compete in global markets.

The planned capital investments in Illinois are part of BNSFs record 2013 capital commitment of $4.3 billion. The largest component of the capital plan is spending $2.3 billion on BNSF's core network and related assets. BNSF also plans to spend approximately $1 billion on locomotive, freight car and other equipment acquisitions, many of which will serve Illinois. The program also includes about $200 million for positive train control and $800 million for terminal, line and intermodal expansion and efficiency projects.

Unlike other modes of transportation, U.S. freight railroads use their own private dollars, not tax dollars, to build and maintain their freight rail networks. Since the year 2000, BNSF has invested more than $42 billion to improve and expand its freight rail network.

About BNSF

BNSF Railway is one of North Americas leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food and beverages. BNSFs shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. We work continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can learn more about BNSF at http://www.BNSF.com.

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BNSF Plans Nearly $145 Million Capital Program in Illinois to Improve and Expand Rail Capacity

By KYLE ARNOLD World Business Writer on Sep 22, 2013, at 2:29 AMUpdated on 9/22/13 at 7:58 AM

Clark Oil Distributors in Sapulpa closed unexpectedly two weeks ago. The company had a contract to provide diesel and regular unleaded gasoline for buses and fleet vehicles for Sapulpa schools and also served the city and the county's fuel needs. Company officials were unavailable for comment. SUSAN HYLTON/Tulsa World

During a meeting this week between maintenance workers and company management, union leaders were told that American could have 400 more workers than needed by early next year, Transport Workers Union Local 514 President Dale Danker said Wednesday.

Union leadership confirmed the potential cuts in a phone call with the Tulsa World.

A spokeswoman for the airline, Andrea Huguely, later said in a statement: "American's operational needs for 2014 are still being assessed as we revitalize our fleet and complete several aircraft modification initiatives. While no final decisions have been made, we will let our people know of any changes at the appropriate time."

News of the potential cuts comes as American remakes its fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient planes that will require less maintenance in the coming years.

"Tulsa-area manufacturers are taking advantage of a continued weak dollar and really boosting their exports," said Joe Epperley, a spokesman for the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance.

The report ranks Tulsa as the 23rd fastest-growing metro area for exports from 2009 to 2012. Over the past decade, Tulsa ranks as the 13th fastest-growing metro area for exports.

The report tallies both the goods-producing and service sectors.

In Tulsa, economists credit the energy sector. Exports tied to petroleum and coal led the area with $1.078 billion in value during 2012, a $368.3 million increase over the previous year.

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Week in review A look back at the week's top stories

Our little garden.
It isn #39;t much but its done darn good with only watering since last May/June. (Boogie brew was applied 4-5 times before then twice after the storm). The min...

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Our little garden. - Video

The Metropolitan Transportation Authoritys (MTA) Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and local private-sector unions have reached a Project Labor Agreement designed to reduce the LIRRs labor costs on seven major construction projects by nearly 11%, saving the Railroad an estimated $6.5 million over the course of the next five years while protecting local trade union jobs.

The agreement, negotiated between the LIRR and the Buildings and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, is a first for the MTA and the LIRR. In addition to reducing costs, the pact includes a no strike clause on the covered projects, provides opportunities for minorities and women to enter trade union apprentice programs, and includes non-discrimination provisions in union hiring hall and job placement practices.

The first project to benefit from the agreement, which is subject to approval by the MTA board of directors, will be civil and structural work for Phase 1 of the LIRRs proposed construction of a second track on its Main Line between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma scheduled to get underway early next year. The MTA has budgeted $137.7 million for this first phase in its 2010-2014 Capital Plan.

The Double Track project will improve service and reliability on one of the LIRRs busiest branches, spur economic activity, improve off peak frequency of service and reserve peak commuting opportunities, including connections to MacArthur Airport. The Double Track project environmental assessment and 30-day comment period on the project has been completed and a final decision on the project is expected in the fall.

The seven projects covered by the agreement are expected to create between 400 and 500 private sector construction jobs on Long Island.

The other projects covered by the agreement are: the New Mid-Suffolk Electric Yard ($76.6 million); Hicksville Station Improvements ($55.2 million) and Hicksville North Siding ($37.7 million); Ellison Avenue Bridge Replacement in Mineola ($39.2 million); Great Neck Pocket Track Extension ($25.8 million); Wantagh Station Platform Replacement ($20.7 million); and the Colonial Road Highway Bridge Replacement, also in Great Neck ($9.5 million). The total cost of union labor on those projects was originally estimated at $60.1 million.

Under the agreement, the Railroad guarantees that its contractors will employ only trade workers under the terms of collective agreements in the construction industry on Long Island, a key issue for labor which has seen many local jobs go to out-of-state firms employing non-union workers in recent years.

In undertaking negotiations with the Buildings and Construction Trades Council and its members, the LIRR's goal was to obtain the best work at the lowest possible price, prevent favoritism, fraud and corruption, and avoid delays and labor unrest, according to the agency.

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LIRR, union sign project labor agreement

By KYLE ARNOLD World Business Writer on Sep 17, 2013, at 2:27 AMUpdated on 9/17/13 at 4:32 AM

BNSF Railway Co. expansion projects will include a new bypass connection at the Cherokee rail yard in west Tulsa. MICHAEL WYKE / Tulsa World

Projects will include a new bypass connection at the Cherokee rail yard in west Tulsa and extending a siding area on the carrier's tracks near Mannford.

"BNSF's capital investments in Oklahoma will help ensure our network is prepared for growing demand for freight rail," BNSF Chairman and CEO Matthew K. Rose said in a statement. "We are focused on investing to meet our customers' expectations and on expanding capacity where growth is occurring."

The Fort Worth-based company is also planning projects on its track between Sequoyah and DeGroat, a new siding area near Camp, which is between Mannford and Pawnee, a track connection at Avard in northwestern Oklahoma for the line that connects Tulsa to the company's Los Angeles-to-Chicago Transcon Route. Plans also include replacement of a rail bridge near Ponca City.

All the projects are slated to be finished by the end of this year.

"Given the importance of a low-cost supply chain to the U.S. economy, our privately funded rail infrastructure is well positioned to help Oklahoma compete in global markets," Rose said.

Oklahoma manufacturers and agricultural producers sent nearly 140,000 rail cars of cargo out of the state last year, and about 75 percent of that was industrial equipment and products.

Coming into Oklahoma, nearly half of BNSF's loads were coal.

BNSF, formerly known as Burlington Northern-Santa Fe, has 1,236 employees in Oklahoma and rail yards in Enid, Madill, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The company owns 1,037 miles of track in the state.

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BNSF to invest $125 million in state projects

FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) plans to invest an estimated $125 million on maintenance and rail capacity expansion projects in Oklahoma this year.

BNSFs 2013 capacity improvement projects in Oklahoma include constructing 3.5 miles of new second main track between Sequoyah and DeGroat; constructing a new siding near Camp; extending existing sidings near Morrison and Mannford; constructing a bypass connection at Cherokee yard in Tulsa for BNSFs lines to Avard and Springfield, Missouri; constructing a connection track at Avard between the line to Tulsa and BNSFs Transcon route between Chicago and the Southwest; and replacing a bridge near Ponca City, Okla.

BNSF will continue its robust track maintenance program in Oklahoma, which will include more than 2,200 miles of track surfacing and undercutting work, the replacement of 60 miles of rail and about 225,000 ties, as well as significant signal upgrades for the federally mandated positive train control (PTC).

BNSFs capital investments in Oklahoma will help ensure our network is prepared for growing demand for freight rail, said Matthew K. Rose, chairman and chief executive officer. We are focused on investing to meet our customers expectations and on expanding capacity where growth is occurring. Given the importance of a low cost supply chain to the U.S. economy, our privately funded rail infrastructure is well positioned to help Oklahoma compete in global markets.

The planned capital investments in Oklahoma are part of BNSFs record 2013 capital commitment of $4.3 billion. The largest component of the capital plan is spending $2.3 billion on BNSF's core network and related assets. BNSF also plans to spend approximately $1 billion on locomotive, freight car and other equipment acquisitions, many of which will serve Oklahoma. The program also includes about $200 million for positive train control and $800 million for terminal, line and intermodal expansion and efficiency projects.

Unlike other modes of transportation, U.S. freight railroads use their own private dollars, not tax dollars, to build and maintain their freight rail networks. Since the year 2000, BNSF has invested more than $42 billion to improve and expand its freight rail network.

About BNSF

BNSF Railway is one of North Americas leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food and beverages. BNSFs shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. We work continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can learn more about BNSF at http://www.BNSF.com.

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BNSF Plans $125 Million Capital Program in Oklahoma to Improve and Expand Rail Capacity

Eric Rogers Roofing Siding Replacement 4.65 SQ Rear Elevation Pebblestone Clay
Eric Rogers Roofing Siding Replacement 4.65 SQ Rear Elevation Pebblestone Clay with Ladder Jacks 2013.

By: Eric Rogers

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Eric Rogers Roofing Siding Replacement 4.65 SQ Rear Elevation Pebblestone Clay - Video

HOLLIS The Hollis Town Hall is looking a bit brighter these days, as work to restore the buildings exterior progresses.

During Monday nights Hollis Board of Selectmen meeting, Town Administrator Troy Brown said a portion of the buildings new siding had been completed, and trim and the top of the clock tower have been painted.

New first-floor windows arrived earlier this month, and contracting crews were hard at work shingling and reroofing Town Halls connection building this week.

During the March town meeting, voters approve exterior renovations at the historic Town Hall and in early June, selectmen unanimously awarded the project contract to Nashua construction firm D.K. King & Associates.

The projects initial bid came in at $249,493, though board members reduced the contract to $229,493 while agreeing to address any additional problems, such as decaying wood, as they arise.

Money from the towns $350,000 repairs fund also went toward the project, which includes the replacement of aging paint and siding.

During a public hearing on July 15, Heritage Commission Chairman David Sullivan told the board it was important to consider the structures color when renovating the 123-year-old building.

Sharing an old photograph of the Hollis Town Hall, Sullivan said the building was originally a darker color but was painted white in the 1950s.

The town has a rare opportunity to restore this building and I hope the community will take the time to consider what the building once was and what it will look like in the future, Sullivan told selectmen,

However, at the time of the Town Meeting vote, the board made it clear that the building would be painted white, with natural shingles and earth-toned trim.

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Future is bright for Hollis Town Hall

Lanham, Maryland (PRWEB) September 10, 2013

Inc. magazine today ranked Thompson Creek Window Company on its seventh annual Inc. 500|5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economyAmericas independent entrepreneurs. Thompson Creek Window Company joins LivingSocial, Edible Arrangements, CDW and Lifelock, among other prominent brands featured on this years list.

Since 1980, Thompson Creek Window Company has grown from its beginnings on West Street in Annapolis, Maryland, while remaining a local, community-based company. Thompson Creek Window Company has established itself as a market leader in Washington, DC and Baltimore, metropolitan areas by focusing on customer satisfaction along with manufacturing an exceptional window replacement product for their customers. Thompson Creek Window Company serves Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Sustainability in our business requires a dedication to 100% customer satisfaction. This achievement is a direct result of the relationships we have developed with satisfied customers and the feedback and recommendations they share with their friends and neighbors, said Rick Wuest, president of Thompson Creek Window Company. Our inclusion in this list is true validation that we are continuing to succeed in our mission. It is a great honor not only to be recognized for our growth, but also to be listed among such successful companies that I respect and admire.

In a stagnant economic environment, median growth rate of 2013 Inc. 500|5000 companies is an impressive 142 percent. The companies on this years list report having created over 520,000 jobs in the past three years, and aggregate revenue among the honorees reached $241 billion.

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at http://www.inc.com/5000.

"Not all the companies in the Inc. 500 | 5000 are in glamorous industries, but in their fields they are as famous as household name companies simply by virtue of being great at what they do. They are the hidden champions of job growth and innovation, the real muscle of the American economy, says Inc. Editor Eric Schurenberg.

Contact George Schaub, Director of Marketing for Thompson Creek Window Company, for additional information at (301)306-5290.

About Thompson Creek Window Company

The Thompson Creek Window Company is a privately owned and family-operated manufacturer and installer of energy-efficient home improvement replacement products. Founded in 1980, Thompson Creek Window Company began as a manufacturer of energy-efficient, maintenance-free vinyl windows. Since that time, Thompson Creek Window Company has evolved into one of the leading specialty home improvement contracting companies in the nation. The companys product mix includes replacement windows and doors, vinyl siding and a clog-free gutter system. Thompson Creek Window Company is headquartered in Lanham, MD with an 80,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Landover, MD

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Thompson Creek Window Company Reviews Inclusion on Inc. Magazine List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies ...

By Steve Dunn

dgceditor@dailygate.com

Voters in the Keokuk and Fort Madison school districts will go to the polls Tuesday to decide school board races, while voters in the Central Lee district will choose four candidates who have no opposition.

In addition, voters in the Southeastern Community College District will be asked whether the current physical plant debt service levy that was established in 1990 should be extended for up to 20 years.

Incumbents Tyler McGhghy and Alka Khanolkar are being opposed by Jane Abell and Carrie Steele for three seats on the Keokuk School Board. Another incumbent, Roger Kokemuller, decided not seek re-election to a four-year term.

In the Fort Madison district, incumbents Timm Lamb and Tim Wondra plus newcomers Debbie Meyer, Kimberly Ransdell, Jaime Seaney, Heather Wellman and Gayla Young are vying for three seats on that school board.

In the Central Lee district, incumbents Mark Hulsebus in District 3, Kim Miller in District 4 and Verna Brunstein in District 5 have no opposition. Neither does Bill Young in District 2.

The physical plant debt service levy generates about $700,000 a year for building and property maintenance, renovation, new construction, infrastructure, land and equipment in the SCC district, which covers all of Lee, Des Moines and Henry counties and parts of Louisa, Van Buren, Washington and Jefferson counties.

SCC intends to keep the tax rate at approximately 20 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation if the referendum passes. SCC would sell no more than $15 million of bonds for projects throughout the district and then pay off the debt with revenue from the levy.

In the past, the levy has funded such projects as roof replacements at the West Burlington campus and Fort Madison center, new and replacement buildings at the Keokuk and West Burlington campuses, renovations at the Fort Madison and Mount Pleasant Centers, exterior siding replacement at the West Burlington Campus, sidewalks and parking lots at all locations, and chillers and boilers at all locations.

Originally posted here:
School board, SCC levy vote set Tuesday