AGC WORKS | Columbia River Bridge replacement getting underway | AGC talks BUILD America 250 Act with Reps. Larsen and Strickland | New prevailing wage rates effective September 2

The Columbia River Bridge Replacement Project, a major component of the International Bridge Replacement (IBR) project, is beginning to move from the planning stage to implementation. WSDOT has issued a Request for Qualifications to provide Progressive Design-Build Services for the project, with a submittal due date of September 30, 2026, with a contractor expected to be hired in 2027. The estimated value of the bridge replacement phase is $3.3 billion-$3.9 billion. Click here for contract summary information.

Click here to read more.

For the past five years, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) has helped fund highway preservation, bridge improvements, fish passage projects, freight corridors, safety improvements and local transportation investments in Washington State

Now, with the IIJA set to expire on September 30, 2026, Congress is considering its successor: the BUILD America 250 Act, a bipartisan five-year transportation authorization that would invest approximately $580 billion in highways, bridges, freight, transit, passenger rail and transportation safety through 2031.

Click here to read more.

The following information is from the Department of Labor and Industries:
The Prevailing Wage Program published updated wage rates on Aug. 3, 2026. The new wage rates become effective 30 days from then, on September 2. This is our standard, twice per year publication in which multiple wage rates are updated across all Washington State counties.
You may look up or print prevailing wage rates for journey level or apprentice workers by visiting the following web page. To view the new rates, be sure to enter an effective date that is on or after 9/2/2026.
https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/public-works-projects/prevailing-wage-rates/
If you have any questions, please contact Ray Finn at 360-902-5338 or by email at Raymond.Finn@lni.wa.gov.
Comments or questions about Prevailing Wage? Call 360-902-5335 or email PW1@lni.wa.gov.

We're excited to announce that the 2026 Central Regional Contracting Forum website is now live! This will be your central resource for everything related to the event, including event details, schedules, updates, sponsorship opportunities, exhibitor information, and registration.

Visit the event website to learn more and register: Central RCF – Regional Contracting Forum

Registration is FREE!

Attendance is free for all participants. Whether you're a contractor, subcontractor, architect, engineer, designer, supplier, consultant, public agency representative, or industry partner, we invite you to join us for a day of networking, collaboration, and business development.

Exhibitor Booths Available – FREE

Showcase your company and connect with attendees from across Central Washington. Exhibitor participation is also free, but space is limited.

Complete the exhibitor registration form here.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Increase your company's visibility while supporting this premier regional industry event. Sponsorship opportunities are now available.

View sponsorship opportunities and complete the sponsorship form here.

General/Prime Contractors & Consultants: Sign Up for Structured Networking

General contractors, prime contractors, and consultants are invited to participate in structured one-on-one networking sessions following lunch.

These pre-scheduled 10-minute meetings are designed to connect you directly with small and specialty contractors to discuss:

Company capabilities
Upcoming contracting opportunities
Potential teaming and partnership opportunities

Interested in participating? Complete the interest form here.

We look forward to bringing the construction community together to strengthen relationships, create new opportunities, and build the future of Central Washington. We hope to see you on September 3!

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