Granite Announces Settlement Related to Hiawatha Corridor Light Rail Project

WATSONVILLE, Calif. -- A Granite-led joint-venture team, Minnesota Transit Constructors (MnTC), reached a settlement agreement with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Minnesota District Attorney’s Office related to a false claims investigation initiated by the DOJ in 2006. The investigation was based on allegations that MnTC had failed to comply with federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) regulations on the Hiawatha Corridor Light Rail Project. The settlement agreement expressly states that Granite and its joint-venture partners deny the allegations and the claims asserted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the DOJ and admit no fault or liability as part of the agreement.

The MnTC joint-venture team was the design/build contractor on the 12-mile Hiawatha Corridor Light Rail Project for the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Led by Granite Construction Company, the joint venture comprised Granite’s construction partner C.S. McCrossan, Inc. and a joint venture of Parsons Transportation Group and Edwards and Kelcey.“The claims asserted by MnDOT and the DOJ over the course of this five-year investigation are disappointing and any inferences that we made misrepresentations in connection with this project are incorrect,” Roberts added. “We disagree with the allegations; however, we felt it was in our best interest to settle the issue and avoid the expense and the distraction of litigation. While some settlements are accompanied by an admission of wrongdoing, notably, this one was not.“We continue our commitment to the success of DBE businesses across the country and devote significant resources to ensure that DBE businesses have the greatest chance of success on our projects,” continued Roberts. He concluded by noting, “MnTC received the National Association of Minority Contractors’ Special Recognition Award for its DBE efforts in addition to an award by the Met Council, the regional agency that helped manage the project, for MnTC’s DBE project program.”About Granite“We are proud of the work we performed to construct one of the nation’s premier public transportation projects,” said James H. Roberts, Granite’s president and chief executive officer. “The project was a success in part because of our team’s good-faith efforts and commitment to solicit and encourage DBE participation on the project.Granite Construction Incorporated (NYSE:GVA) is a member of the S&P 400 Midcap Index, the FTSE KLD 400 Social Index and the Russell 2000 Index. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Granite is one of the nation’s largest diversified heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers serving public- and private-sector clients nationwide. The company was recently recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the second year in a row. For more information about Granite, please visit graniteconstruction.com.Granite’s portion of the settlement is approximately $1.1 million and had been reserved in prior periods. Per the terms of the agreement, there are no limitations on Granite or its joint-venture partners regarding future contracts with the federal government or the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Granite Construction Incorporated (NYSE:GVA) is a member of the S&P 400 Midcap Index, the FTSE KLD 400 Social Index and the Russell 2000 Index. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Granite is one of the nation’s largest diversified heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers serving public- and private-sector clients nationwide. The company was recently recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the second year in a row. For more information about Granite, please visit graniteconstruction.com.

Ron Paul Takes New Hampshire Young Republicans Straw Poll With 45% of Vote

Soundly defeats rivals in Granite State GOP contest

“It takes more than a sound bite and a flip-flop to fool New Hampshire voters. That’s why there’s real momentum here for Ron Paul.”LAKE JACKSON, Texas -- It’s been a good week for Ron Paul: a statistical tie at the Ames Straw Poll in Iowa last Saturday, a thousand New Hampshire voters at the Concord, New Hampshire office opening Wednesday night, and today, a resounding victory in the New Hampshire Young Republicans Straw Poll in New Castle.With 45% of the vote, Paul soundly beat his closest rivals at this traditional lobster bake, with Mitt Romney earning 10% of the vote, followed by Thaddeus McCotter and Rick Perry, tied at 8%.Authorized and paid for by Ron Paul 2012 PCC. www.RonPaul2012.com

Authorized and paid for by Ron Paul 2012 PCC. www.RonPaul2012.com

Crestwood Midstream Partners LP Announces Election of Joel D. Moxley as Chief Operating Officer

Crestwood Midstream Partners LP (NYSE: CMLP) ("Crestwood LP" or "the Partnership") announced today that its general partner has elected Joel D. Moxley as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Moxley will continue to serve as a Senior Vice President.

"The Board's election of Joel as Chief Operating Officer recognizes his significant contribution and leadership in the transition of Crestwood LP's operations from Quicksilver Resources Inc. and efficient integration of assets acquired from Frontier Gas Services, LLC," stated Robert G. Phillips, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Crestwood LP's general partner. "Joel has built a strong operating team to position Crestwood as a key player in the Barnett Shale, Fayetteville Shale, Granite Wash and Avalon Shale plays. Joel is well respected by our customers and his peers, and this promotion is richly deserved."Investor Contact: Mark Stockard 832-519-2207 mstockard@crestwoodlp.comMr. Moxley has served as Senior Vice President of the general partner since the interest in the Partnership was acquired in October 2010. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President of Crestwood Midstream Partners, LLC since April 2008. Mr. Moxley has over 30 years of experience in the natural gas gathering, gas processing and natural gas liquids segments of the midstream energy industry and holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Rice University.About Crestwood Midstream Partners LP

Investor Contact: Mark Stockard 832-519-2207 mstockard@crestwoodlp.com

Binswanger Named Exclusive Agent for the Lease of a Class A Office Building in East Syracuse, New York

Binswanger has been named exclusive agent by Merrem Properties, LLC to represent them with the lease-up of their Class A office building totaling 115,617 sq. ft. on 9.7 acres located at 6333 Route 298, East Syracuse, New York.

Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to NewsvineBinswanger, and lead broker Jim Panczykowski, is aggressively marketing the property to a variety of users in the information; finance & insurance; professional, scientific & technical services; educational services; and public administration industries. For additional information please contact Jim Panczykowski at: (716) 866-2902 or via email at: jpanczykowski@binswanger.com .Originally built in 1980, with an expansion in 1999, the spectacular, three-story building is the premier Class A office building in the Syracuse suburbs. Key features include: ceiling heights to 10'; three elevators; granite, marble and ceramic tile finishes; wiring for cable television and high-speed internet capable of supporting T-1 lines; 90-seat, state-of-the-art conference theater; parking for approximately 500 cars with land reserved for additional parking, and an ideal location that is less than 1 mile from Exit 35 of the New York State Thruway.CONTACT: Laurie Goldstein 215-448-6014 Email ContactHeadquartered in Philadelphia, PA, Binswanger is an international full-service real estate organization with offices worldwide throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

CONTACT: Laurie Goldstein 215-448-6014 Email Contact

Granite Tile Dos and Don'ts: Installation and Care of Granite Tile Floors

Granite tile and slabs are both a decorative and practical choice, making your choice of granite both a stylish and smart one indeed! Due to its hardness, its resistance to heat and other forms of stress, as well as the versatility which is offered by granite tile, you are making an investment that will add value to your property and one which will be the source of a tremendous pride of ownership. The production of granite has been millions of years in the making, made by the greatest manufacturer there is � the earth itself. For a lasting durability designed by nature that is stone cold gorgeous too, granite may be the best idea you�ve ever had!

3. Allow dirt and grit to remain on the surface of your granite tile. These elements can affect the finish over time and take away from the natural beauty of granite.6. Lay out all of your granite tiles in a dry run before applying mortar or other chosen adhesive agent.One of the best courses of action to take to ensure that granite tile is the right choice for flooring or countertop solution is to consult with the experts. This way, you are benefiting from years of experience, which will allow you to avoid costly mistakes. It will also help to make sure that your granite tile will be as attractive and long lasting as it is meant to be with you as its best ally!DON�T7. Choose a sealant that best suits your choice in granite tile. Ask your sales rep or flooring professional about specific varieties and brand names.DO:1. Consider the area where you intend to install granite tile. Make sure that factors such as moisture levels, foot traffic, and slip resistance are carefully considered.6. Use scouring powders, steel wool, or other abrasive materials to remove stains from your granite tile.Here are a few things to think about when you are considering granite tile for your project:1. Install granite tile on an uneven, dirty or wet subfloor.8. Initiate a cleaning and maintenance regimen; choose the appropriate cleaners and polishes based on experienced advice in order to make sure your granite tile retains all of its natural beauty.5. Expect color variations in your batch of granite tile. Remember, granite is a natural material. Use these natural color variations found in your batch to your advantage. Get as creative with your layout as you can.5. Forget to thoroughly rinse your granite tile once you�ve used a recommended cleaner, or forget to change dirty water or solution which you are using to clean the tile.Granite Tile Do�s and Don�ts2. Read all warranty information before purchase2. Leave spills to sit on your granite tile flooring or countertops.4. Inspect the whole batch before beginning an installation for possible breakage and any other issues, and consult your terms and conditions as to how to see about compensation, if any.Learn more about granite tile floors and buy granite at: http://www.builddirect.com/Granite-Tile-Slabs.aspx4. Use acid-based cleaners or other agents on your granite tile.

Learn more about granite tile floors and buy granite at: http://www.builddirect.com/Granite-Tile-Slabs.aspx

Author: Rob Jones

Granite Countertops Are the Best

The kitchen countertop has always been a staple fixture in the American homes. Its surface offers homeowners a vast range of functions, such as holding plates, dishes, and other kitchenware. You can have it modified to further serve you better such as attaching a countertop dishwasher to the surface along with other changes you have in mind. But more than kitchen functions, countertops also serve another purpose. Give any kitchen an aesthetic upgrade.

So, purchase them from a local dealer that sells building materials or an online dealer in order to revamp the look of your kitchens and bathrooms.Granite countertops are very resistant to heat, moisture, stains, spills and scratches. But regardless of their inherent healthy strength, granite countertops want suitable care if you want to guarantee splendor and sturdiness. These healthy stone countertops make a good residing statement for your kitchen, bathroom and also gives a soothing ambience to buildings these kinds of as hotels and company establishments. The ideal factor about granite countertops is that they come in hundreds of designs that will match any style and style. It has been observed that mostly three types of granite tops are employed for households and industrial establishments like Granite tile countertops, Modular granite countertops, and Slab granite countertops. Each one of them has a corresponding cost and quality that is based on manufacture, set up, and fabrication components.Granite is just one kind of crystalline igneous rock. But while there are other variants of igneous rocks around, granite has that certain shine and solid feel not present in other rocks of its department. Usually found in large reserves, granite can only be obtained through extensive quarrying and mining methods. This is because most piles of granite rocks are infused with other types of rocks due to its intrusive qualities.Granite countertops come in tons of designs. Its streaks of colors and patterns are great to behold. From the compelling, dark patterns of the Azul Noche granite to the dreamy weaves of black, brown, and white of the Gran Violet granite, you have a wide range of designs to choose from that can match the theme and color combination you want your kitchen to exude. With a bit of creativity and bit of imagination, a granite kitchen countertop can actually be a piece that completes the puzzle of your kitchen�s interior look.While other types of countertop may do well in purpose and the aesthetic department, they fail miserably when compared with a granite countertop in terms of durability. Granite countertops are durable and made to withstand the busyness the kitchen area provides. And the best thing about granite countertops is that they not only add a great, beautiful fixture in your kitchen and up the functionality of the said area, it also amplifies the value of your home.

If you think your kitchen needs an upgrade in terms of function and fashion, get a granite kitchen countertop. If you think your kitchen and home deserve such fixture, then go for it. It might be expensive but it is worth every penny.

Author: Ned Marx

Granite Tiles - A Natural Stone for Household Decorations

The granite tiles have several positive aspects that make them the most suitable building material for your household. So, purchase them and add on to the beauty and elegance of your homes.

While granite, like most natural stones, is a source of radiation, a countertop made of stone do not pose a serious risk to your health. Although living on top of a granite monolith can cause serious damage and potential health hazard, scientific evidence and research notes made by the Granite Countertops by National Health and Engineering Inc of USA states that countertops formed out of granite are not dangerous. So relax and take comfort that granite kitchen countertops can never be a cause of a radiation problem.If you think your kitchen needs an upgrade in terms of function and fashion, get a granite kitchen countertop. If you think your kitchen and home deserve such fixture, then go for it. It might be expensive but it is worth every penny.The granite tiles have several positive aspects that make them all the more suitable for kitchen and bathroom decorations. Firstly, the rock is very hard and highly durable which make it ideal for places that are prone to high temperature and pressure. Hence, they can withstand high foot traffic witnessed by the kitchens and bathrooms.The granite tile is made up of quartz and feldspar. If you take a close look at its surface, then you can find some pink, white and black crystals on its surface. These small crystals add on to the beauty of this natural stone. Hence, these tiles have become a popular building material for household and commercial applications.To protect granite tile countertops from harm, it does pay out to understand how and why troubles can arise. Granite is acknowledged and cherished for its stunning flakes of color, unusual line formations and exceptional general appearance. It is specifically these things that result in troubles with physical appearance transform around time. While granite counters will be sealed prior to ultimate turnover to a home owner for use, this sealant that is meant to guard surface area injury can at times turn into damaged by itself. If this comes about, moisture and stains can set into the granite alone.

So, purchase them from a local dealer that sells building materials or an online dealer in order to revamp the look of your kitchens and bathrooms.

Author: Jason Colling