News

Make the Most of Your HSA Tax Benefits

If you’re eligible to contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA), consider taking a closer look at your contribution strategy. You may be able to reduce your 2026 taxes while strengthening your long-term financial security. Although many people use HSAs to pay current medical expenses, they can also help fund retirement.

AGC Reports 701% Increase in Construction Input Costs

The producer price index for inputs to new nonresidential construction rose 7.1 percent from July 2025 to July 2026 as numerous input prices accelerated to multi-year highs, according to an analysis of government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. AGC reports that the largest price increases affected petroleum products and metals that are subject to tariffs of up to 50 percent.

US DOT Closes 110 Schools for Lax English Proficiency Enforcement

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Aug. 31 unveiled a series of anti-fraud measures, including the closure of 110 commercial driver license schools linked to 5,000 drivers who failed English-language proficiency tests and a nationwide audit of state third-party CDL testing programs.

National Water Quality Month: Every Drop Matters

Every August, we recognize National Water Quality Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting clean water and the role each of us plays in preserving it for future generations. For ADS, water quality is more than a seasonal focus. It is central to our purpose: to protect and manage water, our world's most precious resource.

EPA Expands Exemptions from Biofuel Blending Rules

The Environmental Protection Agency this week announced it is granting more exemptions from biofuel-blending rules to oil refineries than initially expected while also seeking to soften the blow to agricultural-based fuels. The decision provides 29 full and partial small refinery exemptions (SREs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.

House Returns to Complete Action on FY 2027 Funding Extension - Little Else

With the midterm elections just over two months away, the House returned to Washington this week to complete action on an extension of Fiscal Year 2027 funding to keep the government operating beyond the September 30 end of the fiscal year. By a vote of 370-48, lawmakers Tuesday passed a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government fully open through the midterm election season.

Smart Drainage Tech Helps Farmers Control Water Table Remotely

“We know that with the weather over the last 20 years we’re still getting about the same amount of total moisture every year in the Corn Belt,” said Scott Lukan, CEO of Agri Drain. “But the span in between moisture events, rain, is longer. It’s growing. This means that rain events have to be more intense if you’re still getting the same amount of moisture.”

What's Next in Ag Drainage?

Using technology and automation to target the use of inputs like fertilizer or irrigation can save costs, boost productivity, and minimize environmental impacts. That’s what is offered by precision agriculture, which has permeated nearly all parts of crop production except, until recently, drainage.

LICA Brings Contractor Perspective to North American Trade Parliament

On August 19, LICA CEO Dennis Mikula Jr. represented the association at the inaugural North American Trade Parliament (NATP) in Oakland, California.

The North American Trade Parliament was created to take real business and industry concerns across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico and move them beyond discussion.

The Dangers of Earbuds and Headphones

Earbuds and music headphones have become fixtures of everyday life, but on the job, they can pose serious safety hazards. What feels like a harmless habit can put you and the people around you at risk.

Most Frequently Cited OSHA Excavation Violations

Excavation and trenching work continue to rank among the most hazardous activities in the construction industry. OSHA’s excavation standard (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P) is designed to address life-threatening risks such as cave-ins, hazardous atmospheres, and falling loads. Despite clear regulatory requirements, enforcement data over the past five years shows a consistent pattern of recurring violations, many of which involve basic safety practices.

BRON Field Day: Where the Work Comes to Life

BRON welcomed contractors, industry partners, and LICA to Sheffield, Iowa, for its 585 Power Unit Showcase, bringing the drainage industry together for a day centered around equipment, installation, and time in the field.

National LICA CEO Dennis Mikula and Executive Vice President Allison Hack traveled from the National Office in Lisle, Illinois, to take part in the event and spend time with BRON representatives and contractors.

DPA Auctions, National LICA Launch Nationwide Partnership

DPA Auctions and National LICA have launched a nationwide partnership to provide contractors with equipment appraisals, reduced seller fees and a dedicated member portal. This collaboration helps land improvement contractors sell equipment easily while expanding DPA’s construction equipment marketplace across the United States.

Reducing Struck-By Risk: The Case for Automated Fleets

Automation will not eliminate every jobsite risk, and I'm not going to claim it does. But it takes a real bite out of struck-by exposure specifically. The fair and honest question, whether you're in the construction industry or just watching it from outside, is whether the technology actually lowers risk or just moves it somewhere else on the site.

Underground Utility Damage Costs America $83.2B Annually

Damage to the utility lines beneath America's feet costs the U.S. economy an estimated $83.2 billion every year — more than $227 million every day — according to a landmark report released by Common Ground Alliance (CGA).

The new estimate is nearly three times the widely cited $30 billion benchmark established in 2019.

FY 2027 Funding Extension Leaves Much Uncertainty

Before leaving for an extended August recess both the House and the Senate passed a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government operating past the September 30 end of FY 2026. Congress wanted to get this issue off their plates before heading home to campaign for the midterm elections.

Field Day Explores Water Quality Infrastructure

Luciano Alves de Oliveira, assistant professor in the Department of a and Biological Engineering at the University of Illinois, talks about bioreactors and drainage water recycling at the Dudley Smith Farm Field Day June 17.

FMCSA Proposes Increased English Proficiency Enforcement for Truck Drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has proposed codifying English-language proficiency (ELP) enforcement for commercial truck drivers, a move the agency estimates could put 9,000 drivers out of service each year. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the notice of proposed rulemaking to solidify the ELP mandate revived last year under the Trump administration.

IRS Updates Overtime Deduction Rules

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released on August 6, 2026, updated frequently asked questions (FS-2026-13, FAQs) for employers and employees on how to calculate qualified overtime compensation for purposes of the overtime pay deduction.

Farm Bill Fails - May Be Considered in September

The Senate Agriculture Committee was unable to advance Farm Bill 2.0 to the full Senate prior to recess when the bill failed to get enough support on a partisan vote. Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) said he plans to resume his committee's markup of the bill within a day or so of lawmakers returning to Capitol Hill next month.