Constructors of Colorado:The History of Heavy Construction in Colorado as Seen by the People Who Made It

Description

Among the pioneers who trekked to Colorado and decided to stay were men who had a talent for remolding the very earth they walked upon. Over the years those individuals, who came to be known as contractors, have met the challenge of construction projects vital to the progress and well-being of the state and nation. On dusty plains, over windswept mountains, and through solid rock early contractors have carved irrigation canals, dams and super highways. They constructed miles of railroad grades, hundreds of bridges, and scores of water and sewage systems. These rugged men have been builders, tree grubbers, mule skinners, and earth sculptors. They have dug, scraped, scooped, blasted, hauled, dumped, pushed, and cursed more tons of dirt then they care to remember. More recently, Constructors of Colorado commemorates the modern contractor. His is not the contractor who’s joy is the efficient, non encumbered, completion of his work. Today’s contractor strives to complete his task in spite of restrictive contract general conditions, double taxes on his plant and his production, and federal, state and local regulations and permits which seem to him, at least, as an organized conspiracy to put him out of business. The contractor is a special breed – a step apart in his relationship in the environment and the harsh elements of weather. Contractors in Colorado is a tribute to these people.