Construction spending fell for the sixth straight month in May, touching an 11-year low, as shrinking public outlays and residential construction swamped a rise in private nonresidential work, the Associated General Contractors of America reported in an analysis of new Census Bureau data.

Leadership was the theme of this year?s American Water Works Association?s Annual Conference and Exposition held in Washington, D.C., June 12-16. Thousands of water professionals from around the world gathered at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to take part in educational sessions and view exhibitor products and services.

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and Carey Lykins, President & CEO of Citizens Energy Group, praised the July 13 approval by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) of the transfer of the community?s water and wastewater utilities to Citizens.

United Water and the City of East Providence held a ground breaking ceremony on June 8 marking the start of a $52.5 million upgrade to the city?s wastewater collection and treatment facilities. The construction project includes state-of-the-art improvements that will protect the Narragansett Bay and help ensure regulatory compliance.

At the RJN Group, Inc. (RJN) Annual Strategic Business Meeting, held in the spring, John Peters was named as an RJN Principal. With the addition of Peters, RJN has a total of 10 Principals.

Linda Ward has recently joined J.M. Waller Associates Inc. (JMWA) in the role of business development manager based in the company?s Atlanta office.

Susan Gilbert has been named West Region director for HDR?s Water business group. She will be based in Denver.

Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Inc. announces the acquisition of Fru-Con, a leading water and wastewater infrastructure contractor based in Virginia.

During its annual membership meeting in early May, the Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. (PPI) announced winners who were awarded for significant achievements and exceptional service involving the use of polyethylene (PE) pipe.

Like many other cities in North America, Winnipeg, Manitoba, found itself in need of updating its wastewater infrastructure to keep pace with growth and age, as well as meet regulatory requirements. In all, the city was looking at a $751 million price tag on a capital improvement program for sewage treatment construction costs.