September 25, 2001—Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) has established a special fund to support families of victims of the Pentagon attacks last week. In addition, the US Army Corps of Engineers has contacted ABC and may request disaster cleanup assistance, which ABC has assured the Army Corps it is ready to give as needed. ABC, a Federal Emergency Management Agency Project Impact partner, has also extended an offer of assistance to FEMA Director Joe Allbaugh. Additionally, ABC President Kirk Pickerel has written to President Bush to offer the association’s “unconditional assistance to the federal government to aid in any way possible.” Many of ABC’s local chapters are also coordinating relief efforts.
ABC Chairman Henry Kelly expressed “horror, disbelief and anger” on behalf of ABC members and the million craft professionals they employ, against these “unspeakable acts of evil.” He added, “We as contractors build the future, and we take special umbrage at those who would destroy it, but we can be proud of the role our industry is playing in helping our nation recover from this tragedy.”
Construction firms across America are rising to the challenge of assisting the nation at this time of crisis. ABC member-firm Hensel-Phelps Construction Co., Chantilly, VA, has been awarded the contract to rebuild the portion of the Pentagon damaged by the terrorist attack last week. The work, which will include renovations of some four million square feet of building space over 11 years could be valued at a potential $758 million.
“Hensel-Phelps was one of the contractors on the scene when the plane hit the Pentagon last week and helped in the evacuation of the facility. It is now a time for rebuilding and healing. We’re delighted that ABC member-firm Hensel-Phelps has been awarded the contract to rebuild this important symbol of American strength,” said Pickerel. For more on ABC’s response to this national tragedy, visit ABC.
