Expansion Plan at UTSA Expects to Elevate Research Facitlities in Alamo City

$500 Million Expansion Planned for UTSA

The University of Texas at San Antonio recently unveiled details of a plan to push the institution toward being one of the premier research universities in the nation in the next decade.

During a celebration of UTSA's 35th anniversary, university officials outlined a far-reaching plan that will add research faculty recruited from top-tier institutions to dramatically increase the number of doctoral programs and research centers at the university. The university's "Roadmap to Excellence" initiative includes a building program set at more than $500 million to fund laboratory and classroom space as well as student housing and support.

One such project, the $83.7 million, 227,000-sq.-ft. Biotechnology, Sciences and Engineering Building scheduled to open in 2005, is expected to be one of the largest science-related educational facilities in Texas, with additional phases planned for 2007 and 2009.

McGraw-Hill Construction and AGC Form new Partnership

McGraw-Hill Construction and the Associated General Contractors of America, recently announced a new partnership. McGraw-Hill Construction will publish AGC's CONSTRUCTOR magazine, membership directory and buyer's guide.

"We are excited about our new partnership to publish this fine group of products for AGC members and other industry professionals." said James H. McGraw IV, group publisher for McGraw-Hill Construction.

"We are always looking for ways to better serve our membership and the industry as a whole," said Stephen E. Sandherr, chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America. "Our choice to select McGraw-Hill Construction as our partner is a perfect fit that will enable us to enhance the quality of news and information we provide members and the industry."

As part of the new partnership, AGC and McGraw-Hill Construction have set up an editorial advisory board, composed of AGC officers and McGraw-Hill Construction editorial and business leaders.

McGraw-Hill Construction publishes the industry's leading design and construction publications, including Engineering News-Record, Architectural Record and 12 regional publications including Texas Construction. .

Koyo Steering Systems to Expand in Ennis

Gov. Rick Perry recently announced that Koyo Steering Systems NA Inc. of Japan will expand its United States operations to a 40-acre site in Ennis, creating 200 new jobs. Koyo manufactures ball and roller bearings and automotive steering systems.

Koyo will build a 40-acre state-of-the-art automobile parts manufacturing plant in Ennis that will pay $6 million in salaries. In total, Koyo will make a $30 million investment in the Texas economy.

To secure this project, Texas contributed a $333,000 incentive package from the Texas Enterprise Fund. Last year the Legislature approved the governor's request for the $295 million TEF to help create new jobs in Texas and recruit new employers.

Sterling Announces $5.8 Million Contract

Sterling Construction Company Inc. recently announced that its Sterling Houston Holdings subsidiary was the low bidder on a contract for the Northwest Regional Water Authority with a total value of approximately $5.8 million.

The 11-month contract is for a water transmission project, and is expected to commence in November.

Joseph Harper, Sterling's president and COO, stated that this project is the company's third job for the water district in connection with a major program to bring surface water to the northern suburban region of Houston.

Cadence McShane Completing Mesquite Church

Cadence McShane Corp. is progressing toward an on-time completion for the new 17,480-sq.-ft. Cornerstone Baptist Church in Mesquite. Steel framing was recently completed and a cross was lifted into place atop the 78-ft. steeple.

Cadence McShane recently began the interior framing while the roofing is being completed. Masons will soon begin affixing native Austin stone to the exterior of the facility that will double the church's capacity when completed next month.

Caterpillar Tier 3 Compliant Engines Hit Market This Month

Caterpillar Inc. recently announced that the Environmental Protection Agency certified a full line of the company's off-road engines as compliant with Tier 3 standards slated to go into effect early next year and in January 2006.

The EPA certification of seven Caterpillar engine models allows early production of cleaner Tier 3 diesel engines. Cat machines powered by Tier 3 compliant engines are scheduled to reach the market this month.

"We've invested heavily in emissions reduction technology," said Gary Stroup, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for the Large Power Systems Division. "And these certifications are proof that the investment is paying off for our company, our customers and our environment."

The Tier 3 regulations apply to clean diesel engines used in construction and mining machines as well as industrial power equipment.