Good news for our friends in cold weather areas that have been hit by this season's frigid temperatures. According to the Daily News Miner in Fairbanks, AK, construction outlook for 2014 is expected to be brisk, with the oil and gas sectors playing a role in the optimistic outlook. This forecast could also bode well for Canadian construction and contracting firms that are affected by seasonal changes in weather. As previously reported, many areas in North America have seen a virtual standstill in outdoor construction activity due to bitter cold temps. However, if this news story is any indication, things look to be turning around as we head further into 2014.

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Alaska Construction Spending Looking Up for 2014 FAIRBANKS — A 2014 construction spending forecast for Alaska reports an expected $9.2 billion in construction spending throughout the state, an 18 percent increase over 2013. The report breaks down private and public sectors of construction spending. Cited as the No. 1 reason for increased spending is expanded investment plans in the petroleum industry, expected to total $4.3 billion, a 33 percent increase in spending over 2013. [READ MORE]