The Obama administration on Friday announced new steps federal agencies are taking to attract private money for projects upgrading roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

The construction industry ended 2014 on a strong note, with a surge of 48,000 jobs in December, driving its unemployment rate down sharply from its year-earlier level, though it was up from November?s mark.

Two months ago, in the grip of a historic drought, California voters overwhelmingly approved a $7.5 billion water bond to fund everything from new storage projects to modernizing drinking water treatment plants.

Last week, water and wastewater projects in New Bedford, Marion and Saugus, Mass., are among 56 construction and planning initiatives that will be eligible for more than $500 million in loans, state officials said.

Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of these water supply lines and pipes by following these recommendations.

Total construction put in place (CPIP) for 2014 will be $62 billion greater than last year ? a 7 percent increase according to a recent report from construction and engineering consultant FMI. CPIP should finish this year around $972 billion and is expected to top $1.04 trillion in 2015.

The Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) has employed Sedarū to enhance its water quality sampling program and increase operational awareness. Sedarū leverages hydraulic, asset and operational management analytics so utilities can anticipate water operations, understand impacts and solve problems for energy, quality, water resource and asset management.