The 1940's
As the US headed into war in 1941, the AGC pledged “the whole-hearted cooperation of its officers, staff and members in mobilizing the construction forces of the nation in the all-out prosecution of this war.” With the construction necessary to support the war effort, the industry once again thrived. Locally, projects at Fairchild AFB, the Hanford Nuclear plant and the Columbia Basin Project drove an unprecedented investment in the Inland Northwest.
Photo courtesy of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture
Photo courtesy of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture
Photo courtesy of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture
1942
With nearly a quarter-billion dollars in war construction work slated for Spokane, local contractors band together in historic agreement to best utilize labor and equipment. The agreement also established a 48-hour work week for the 8-12 month construction period.
1947
Columbia Basin project is proposed by the Bureau of Reclamation, a $5.5 billion irrigation project spanning from Seattle to Wyoming.
1943
Construction begins on Hanford Nuclear Site. In 30 months, a total of 554 buildings were constructed, not including residences and dormitories.
1948
AGC Annual Convention attracts over 700 attendees and is hosted by AGC President Nels Degerstrom.
1944
Washington voters approve the 18th Amendment to the state constitution, protecting gas tax revenues by ensuring they can only be spent on road construction projects.
1949
On January 13, the Inland Empire Building Chapter of the AGC was officially formed to represent building contractors, material suppliers and subcontractors. The older chapter continued to represent “heavy” construction firms.
1945
The Garland Theater is built at the corner of Monroe and Garland in Spokane for approximately $130,000.
Highlights
Presidents
Spokane Chapter Presidents
1940-1941 - J.L. Hazen, Hazen & Clark
1942-1943 - J.P. Carbon
1944-1945 - S.G. Morin
1946 - Arthur Sather
1947 - Gus J. Bouten, Bouten Construction
1948-1952 - N.A. Degerstrom, Degerstrom Construction
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Eastern Washington Building Chapter Presidents
1949 - Robert W. Meighan
New Members
1947 - Inland Asphalt Company
1948 - M.A. DeAtley Construction, Inc.