<PAGE>

                                                                Exhibit 10(j)(i)

                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

      THIS AGREEMENT is entered into as of November 10, 1998, by and between
Watkins Contracting, Inc., a Nevada corporation ("Borrower"), and WELLS FARGO
BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ("Bank").

                                     RECITAL

      Borrower has requested from Bank the credit accommodation described below,
and Bank has agreed to provide said credit accommodation to Borrower on the
terms and conditions contained herein.

      NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which are hereby acknowledged, Bank and Borrower hereby agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I
                                   THE CREDIT

      SECTION 1.1. LINE OF CREDIT.

      (a) Line of Credit. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
Bank hereby agrees to make advances to Borrower from time to time up to and
including November 9, 1999, not to exceed at any time the aggregate principal
amount of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) ("Line of Credit"), the proceeds
of which shall be used to finance working capital requirements. Borrower's
obligation to repay advances under the Line of Credit shall be evidenced by a
promissory note substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto ("Line of
Credit Note"), all terms of which are incorporated herein by this reference.

      (b) Limitation on Borrowings. Outstanding borrowings under the Line of
Credit, to a maximum of the principal amount set forth above, shall not at any
time exceed an aggregate of seventy-five percent (75%) of Borrower's eligible
accounts receivable. All of the foregoing shall be determined by Bank upon
receipt and review of all collateral reports required hereunder and such other
documents and collateral information as Bank may from time to time require.
Borrower acknowledges that said borrowing base was established by Bank with the
understanding that, among other items, the aggregate of all returns, rebates,
discounts, credits and allowances for the immediately preceding three (3) months
at all times shall be less than five percent (5%) of Borrower's gross sales for
said period. If such dilution of Borrower's accounts for the immediately
preceding three (3) months at any time exceeds five percent (5%)


<PAGE>

of Borrower's gross sales for said period, or if there at any time exists any
other matters, events, conditions or contingencies which Bank reasonably
believes may affect payment of any portion of Borrower's accounts, Bank, in its
sole discretion, may reduce the foregoing advance rate against eligible accounts
receivable to a percentage appropriate to reflect such additional dilution
and/or establish additional reserves against Borrower's eligible accounts
receivable.

      As used herein, "eligible accounts receivable" shall consist solely of
trade accounts created in the ordinary course of Borrower's business, upon which
Borrower's right to receive payment is absolute and not contingent upon the
fulfillment of any condition whatsoever, and in which Bank has a perfected
security interest of first priority, and shall not include:

            (i) any account which is past due more than twice Borrower's
      standard selling terms, except with respect to any account for which
      Borrower has provided extended payment terms not to exceed one hundred
      eighty (180) days, any such account which is more than thirty (30) days
      past due;

            (ii) that portion of any account for which there exists any right of
      setoff, defense or discount (except regular discounts allowed in the
      ordinary course of business to promote prompt payment) or for which any
      defense or counterclaim has been asserted;

            (iii) any account which represents an obligation of an account
      debtor located in a foreign country;

            (iv) any account which arises from the sale or lease to or
      performance of services for, or represents an obligation of, an employee,
      affiliate, partner, member, parent or subsidiary of Borrower;

            (v) any account which represents an obligation of any account debtor
      when twenty percent (20%) or more of Borrower's accounts from such account
      debtor are not eligible pursuant to (i) above excepting therefrom any
      amounts classified as retentions up to a maximum of 10% of the original
      contract amount of account debtor;

            (vi) that portion of any account from an account debtor which
      represents the amount by which Borrower's total accounts from said account
      debtor exceeds twenty-five percent (25%) of Borrower's total accounts;

            (vii) any account deemed ineligible by Bank when Bank, in its sole
      discretion, deems the creditworthiness or financial condition of the
      account debtor, or the industry


                                      -2-
<PAGE>

      in which the account debtor is engaged, to be unsatisfactory.

      (c) Borrowing and Repayment. Borrower may from time to time during the
term of the Line of Credit borrow, partially or wholly repay its outstanding
borrowings, and reborrow, subject to all of the limitations, terms and
conditions contained herein or in the Line of Credit Note; provided however,
that the total outstanding borrowings under the Line of Credit shall not at any
time exceed the maximum principal amount available thereunder, as set forth
above.

      SECTION 1.2. INTEREST/FEES.

      (a) Interest. The outstanding principal balance of the Line of Credit
shall bear interest at the rate of interest set forth in the Line of Credit
Note.

      (b) Computation and Payment. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a
360-day year, actual days elapsed. Interest shall be payable at the times and
place set forth in the Line of Credit Note.

      (c) Commitment Fee. Borrower shall pay to Bank a non-refundable commitment
fee for the Line of Credit equal to $3,000.00, which fee shall be due and
payable in full upon the execution of this Agreement.

      SECTION 1.3. COLLECTION OF PAYMENTS. Borrower authorizes Bank to collect
all interest and fees due under the Line of Credit by charging Borrower's demand
deposit account number 4968-039826 with Bank, or any other demand deposit
account maintained by Borrower with Bank, for the full amount thereof. Should
there be insufficient funds in any such demand deposit account to pay all such
sums when due, the full amount of such deficiency shall be immediately due and
payable by Borrower.

      SECTION 1.4. COLLATERAL.

      As security for all indebtedness of Borrower to Bank subject hereto,
Borrower hereby grants to Bank security interests of first priority in all
Borrower's accounts receivable and other rights to payment, general intangibles,
inventory and equipment except for prior liens previously disclosed to Bank as
of the date of this Agreement.

      All of the foregoing shall be evidenced by and subject to the terms of
such security agreements, financing statements, deeds of trust and other
documents as Bank shall reasonably require, all in form and substance
satisfactory to Bank. Borrower shall reimburse Bank immediately upon demand for
all


                                      -3-
<PAGE>

costs and expenses incurred by Bank in connection with any of the foregoing
security, including without limitation, filing and recording fees and costs of
appraisals, audits and title insurance.

      SECTION 1.5. GUARANTIES. All indebtedness of Borrower to Bank shall be
guaranteed by Rexx Environmental Corporation in the principal amount of Two
Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00), as evidenced by and subject to the terms of
guaranties in form and substance satisfactory to Bank.

                                   ARTICLE II
                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

      Borrower makes the following representations and warranties to Bank, which
representations and warranties shall survive the execution of this Agreement and
shall continue in full force and effect until the full and final payment, and
satisfaction and discharge, of all obligations of Borrower to Bank subject to
this Agreement.

      SECTION 2.1. LEGAL STATUS. Borrower is a corporation, duly organized and
existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of Nevada, and is
qualified or licensed to do business (and is in good standing as a foreign
corporation, if applicable) in all jurisdictions in which such qualification or
licensing is required or in which the failure to so qualify or to be so licensed
could have a material adverse effect on Borrower.

      SECTION 2.2. AUTHORIZATION AND VALIDITY. This Agreement, the Line of
Credit Note, and each other document, contract and instrument required hereby or
at any time hereafter delivered to Bank in connection herewith (collectively,
the "Loan Documents") have been duly authorized, and upon their execution and
delivery in accordance with the provisions hereof will constitute legal, valid
and binding agreements and obligations of Borrower or the party which executes
the same, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.

      SECTION 2.3. NO VIOLATION. The execution, delivery and performance by
Borrower of each of the Loan Documents do not violate any provision of any law
or regulation, or contravene any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or
By-Laws of Borrower, or result in any breach of or default under any contract,
obligation, indenture or other instrument to which Borrower is a party or by
which Borrower may be bound.

      SECTION 2.4. LITIGATION. There are no pending, or to the best of
Borrower's knowledge threatened, actions, claims, investigations, suits or
proceedings by or before any


                                      -4-
<PAGE>

governmental authority, arbitrator, court or administrative agency which could
have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operation of
Borrower other than those disclosed by Borrower to Bank in writing prior to the
date hereof.

      SECTION 2.5. CORRECTNESS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The financial statement
of Borrower dated September 30, 1998, a true copy of which has been delivered by
Borrower to Bank prior to the date hereof, (a) is complete and correct and
presents fairly the financial condition of Borrower subject to year end auditor
adjustments, (b) discloses all liabilities of Borrower that are required to be
reflected or reserved against under generally accepted accounting principles,
whether liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or contingent and subject to year end
auditor adjustments, and (c) has been prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied. Since the date of such
financial statement there has been no material adverse change in the financial
condition of Borrower, nor has Borrower mortgaged, pledged, granted a security
interest in or otherwise encumbered any of its assets or properties except in
favor of Bank or as otherwise permitted by Bank in writing.

      SECTION 2.6. INCOME TAX RETURNS. Borrower has no knowledge of any pending
assessments or adjustments of its income tax payable with respect to any year.

      SECTION 2.7. NO SUBORDINATION. There is no agreement, indenture, contract
or instrument to which Borrower is a party or by which Borrower may be bound
that requires the subordination in right of payment of any of Borrower's
obligations subject to this Agreement to any other obligation of Borrower.

      SECTION 2.8. PERMITS, FRANCHISES. Borrower possesses, and will hereafter
possess, all permits, consents, approvals, franchises and licenses required and
rights to all trademarks, trade names, patents, and fictitious names, if any,
necessary to enable it to conduct the business in which it is now engaged in
compliance with applicable law.

      SECTION 2.9. ERISA. Borrower is in compliance in all material respects
with all applicable provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended or recodified from time to time ("ERISA"); Borrower has not
violated any provision of any defined employee pension benefit plan (as defined
in ERISA) maintained or contributed to by Borrower (each, a "Plan"); no
Reportable Event as defined in ERISA has occurred and is continuing with respect
to any Plan initiated by Borrower; Borrower has met its minimum funding
requirements under ERISA with respect to each Plan; and each Plan will be able
to fulfill its benefit obligations as they come due in accordance with the


                                      -5-
<PAGE>

Plan documents and under generally accepted accounting principles.

      SECTION 2.10. OTHER OBLIGATIONS. Borrower is not in default on any
obligation for borrowed money, any purchase money obligation or any other
material lease, commitment, contract, instrument or obligation.

      SECTION 2.11. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Except as disclosed by Borrower to
Bank in writing prior to the date hereof, Borrower is in compliance in all
material respects with all applicable federal or state environmental, hazardous
waste, health and safety statutes, and any rules or regulations adopted pursuant
thereto, which govern or affect any of Borrower's operations and/or properties,
including without limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986, the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
of 1976, and the Federal Toxic Substances Control Act, as any of the same may be
amended, modified or supplemented from time to time. None of the operations of
Borrower is the subject of any federal or state investigation evaluating whether
any remedial action involving a material expenditure is needed to respond to a
release of any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the environment.
Borrower has no material contingent liability in connection with any release of
any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the environment.

                                   ARTICLE III
                                   CONDITIONS

      SECTION 3.1. CONDITIONS OF INITIAL EXTENSION OF CREDIT. The obligation of
Bank to extend any credit contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the
fulfillment to Bank's satisfaction of all of the following conditions:

      (a) Approval of Bank Counsel. All legal matters incidental to the
extension of credit by Bank shall be satisfactory to Bank's counsel.

      (b) Documentation. Bank shall have received, in form and substance
satisfactory to Bank, each of the following, duly executed:

      (i)   This Agreement and the Note.
      (ii)  Articles of Incorporation.
      (iii) Corporate Resolution: Borrowing.
      (iv)  Certificate of Incumbency.
      (v)   Continuing Guaranty.
      (vi)  Corporate Resolution: Continuing Guaranty


                                      -6-
<PAGE>

      (vii) Security Agreement: Rights to Payment and Inventory.
      (viii) Security Agreement: Equipment.
      (ix)  UCC 1 Financing Statement.
      (x)   Such other documents as Bank may require under any other Section of
            this Agreement.

      (c) Financial Condition. There shall have been no material adverse change,
as determined by Bank, in the financial condition or business of Borrower or any
guarantor hereunder, nor any material decline, as determined by Bank, in the
market value of any collateral required hereunder or a substantial or material
portion of the assets of Borrower or any such guarantor.

      (d) Insurance. Borrower shall have delivered to Bank evidence of insurance
coverage on all Borrower's property, in form, substance, amounts, covering risks
and issued by companies satisfactory to Bank, and where required by Bank, with
loss payable endorsements in favor of Bank.

      SECTION 3.2. CONDITIONS OF EACH EXTENSION OF CREDIT. The obligation of
Bank to make each extension of credit requested by Borrower hereunder shall be
subject to the fulfillment to Bank's satisfaction of each of the following
conditions:

      (a) Compliance. The representations and warranties contained herein and in
each of the other Loan Documents shall be true on and as of the date of the
signing of this Agreement and on the date of each extension of credit by Bank
pursuant hereto, with the same effect as though such representations and
warranties had been made on and as of each such date, and on each such date, no
Event of Default as defined herein, and no condition, event or act which with
the giving of notice or the passage of time or both would constitute such an
Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing or shall exist.

      (b) Documentation. Bank shall have received all additional documents which
may be required in connection with such extension of credit.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                              AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

      Borrower covenants that so long as Bank remains committed to extend credit
to Borrower pursuant hereto, or any liabilities (whether direct or contingent,
liquidated or unliquidated) of Borrower to Bank under any of the Loan Documents
remain outstanding, and until payment in full of all obligations of Borrower
subject hereto, Borrower shall, unless Bank otherwise consents in writing:


                                      -7-
<PAGE>

      SECTION 4.1. PUNCTUAL PAYMENTS. Punctually pay all principal, interest,
fees or other liabilities due under any of the Loan Documents at the times and
place and in the manner specified therein.

      SECTION 4.2. ACCOUNTING RECORDS. Maintain adequate books and records in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied,
and permit any representative of Bank, at any reasonable time, to inspect, audit
and examine such books and records, to make copies of the same, and to inspect
the properties of Borrower.

      SECTION 4.3. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Provide to Bank all of the following,
in form and detail satisfactory to Bank:

      (a) not later than 90 days after and as of the end of each fiscal year, an
unaudited consolidated financial statement of Borrower, prepared by Borrower, to
include a balance sheet and income statement;

      (b) not later than 45 days after and as of the end of each fiscal quarter,
a consolidating financial statement of Borrower, prepared by Borrower, to
include a balance sheet and income statement;

      (c) not later than 20 days after and as of the end of each month, an aging
of accounts receivable with a breakdown of retention on each job, and an aging
of accounts payable, with a breakout of sub-contracts payable and retention to
subcontractors and suppliers;

      (d) not later than 90 days after and as of the end of each fiscal year of
guarantor, an audited consolidated financial statement of guarantor hereunder,
prepared by a certified public accountant acceptable to Bank, to include a
balance sheet, income statement and 10K statement as submitted to the Securities
Exchange Commission;

      (e) not later than 45 days after and as of the end of each fiscal quarter,
a 10Q statement from guarantor hereunder, as submitted to the Securities
Exchange Commission;

      (f) not later than 45 days after and as of the end of each fiscal quarter,
a consolidating financial statement of guarantor, prepared by guarantor, to
include a balance sheet and income statement;

      (g) not later than 30 days after and as of the end of each month, a
progress billing report;


                                      -8-
<PAGE>

      (h) from time to time such other information as Bank may reasonably
request.

      SECTION 4.4. COMPLIANCE. Preserve and maintain all licenses, permits,
governmental approvals, rights, privileges and franchises necessary for the
conduct of its business; and comply with the provisions of all documents
pursuant to which Borrower is organized and/or which govern Borrower's continued
existence and with the requirements of all laws, rules, regulations and orders
of any governmental authority applicable to Borrower and/or its business.

      SECTION 4.5. INSURANCE. Maintain and keep in force insurance of the types
and in amounts customarily carried in lines of business similar to that of
Borrower, including but not limited to fire, extended coverage, public
liability, flood, property damage and workers' compensation, with all such
insurance carried with companies and in amounts satisfactory to Bank, and
deliver to Bank from time to time at Bank's request schedules setting forth all
insurance then in effect.

      SECTION 4.6. FACILITIES. Keep all properties useful or necessary to
Borrower's business in good repair and condition, and from time to time make
necessary repairs, renewals and replacements thereto so that such properties
shall be fully and efficiently preserved and maintained.

      SECTION 4.7. TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES. Pay and discharge when due any
and all indebtedness, obligations, assessments and taxes, both real or personal,
including without limitation federal and state income taxes and state and local
property taxes and assessments, except such (a) as Borrower may in good faith
contest or as to which a bona fide dispute may arise, and (b) for which Borrower
has made provision, to Bank's satisfaction, for eventual payment thereof in the
event Borrower is obligated to make such payment.

      SECTION 4.8. LITIGATION. Promptly give notice in writing to Bank of any
litigation pending or threatened against Borrower.

      SECTION 4.9. FINANCIAL CONDITION. Maintain guarantor's consolidated
financial condition as follows using generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied and used consistently with prior practices (except to the
extent modified by the definitions herein:

      (a) Current Ratio not at any time less than 1.20 to 1.0, with "Current
Ratio" defined as total current assets divided by total current liabilities.


                                      -9-
<PAGE>

      (b) Tangible Net Worth not at any time less than $2,250,000.00, with
"Tangible Net Worth" defined as the aggregate of total stockholders' equity plus
subordinated debt less any intangible assets.

      (c) Total Liabilities divided by Tangible Net Worth not at any time
greater than 2.00 to 1.0, with "Total Liabilities" defined as the aggregate of
current liabilities and non-current liabilities less subordinated debt, and with
"Tangible Net Worth" as defined above.

      SECTION 4.10. NOTICE TO BANK. Promptly (but in no event more than five (5)
days after the occurrence of each such event or matter) give written notice to
Bank in reasonable detail of: (a) the occurrence of any Event of Default, or any
condition, event or act which with the giving of notice or the passage of time
or both would constitute an Event of Default; (b) any change in the name or the
organizational structure of Borrower; (c) the occurrence and nature of any
Reportable Event or Prohibited Transaction, each as defined in ERISA, or any
funding deficiency with respect to any Plan; or (d) any termination or
cancellation of any insurance policy which Borrower is required to maintain, or
any uninsured or partially uninsured loss through liability or property damage,
or through fire, theft or any other cause affecting Borrower's property.

      SECTION 4.11. YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE. Perform all acts reasonably necessary
to ensure that (a) Borrower and any business in which Borrower holds a
substantial interest, and (b) all customers, suppliers and vendors that are
material to Borrower's business, become Year 2000 Compliant in a timely manner.
Such acts shall include, without limitation, performing a comprehensive review
and assessment of all of Borrower's systems and adopting a detailed plan, with
itemized budget, for the remediation, monitoring and testing of such systems. As
used herein, "Year 2000 Compliant" shall mean, in regard to any entity, that all
software, hardware, firmware, equipment, goods or systems utilized by or
material to the business operations or financial condition of such entity, will
properly perform date sensitive functions before, during and after the year
2000. Borrower shall, immediately upon request, provide to Bank such
certifications or other evidence of Borrower's compliance with the terms hereof
as Bank may from time to time require.


                                      -10-
<PAGE>

                                    ARTICLE V
                               NEGATIVE COVENANTS

      Borrower further covenants that so long as Bank remains committed to
extend credit to Borrower pursuant hereto, or any liabilities (whether direct or
contingent, liquidated or unliquidated) of Borrower to Bank under any of the
Loan Documents remain outstanding, and until payment in full of all obligations
of Borrower subject hereto, Borrower will not without Bank's prior written
consent:

      SECTION 5.1. USE OF FUNDS. Use any of the proceeds of any credit extended
hereunder except for the purposes stated in Article I hereof.

      SECTION 5.2. OTHER INDEBTEDNESS. Create, incur, assume or permit to exist
any indebtedness or liabilities resulting from borrowings, loans or advances,
whether secured or unsecured, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated,
joint or several, except (a) the liabilities of Borrower to Bank, (b) any other
liabilities of Borrower existing as of, and disclosed to Bank prior to, the date
hereof, and (c) additional indebtedness limited to purchase money transactions
for equipment to a maximum of $500,000.00 per calendar year.

      SECTION 5.3. MERGER, CONSOLIDATION, TRANSFER OF ASSETS. Merge into or
consolidate with any other entity; make any substantial change in the nature of
Borrower's business as conducted as of the date hereof; acquire all or
substantially all of the assets of any other entity; nor sell, lease, transfer
or otherwise dispose of all or a substantial or material portion of Borrower's
assets except in the ordinary course of its business.

      SECTION 5.4. GUARANTIES. Guarantee or become liable in any way as surety,
endorser (other than as endorser of negotiable instruments for deposit or
collection in the ordinary course of business), accommodation endorser or
otherwise for, nor pledge or hypothecate any assets of Borrower as security for,
any liabilities or obligations of any other person or entity, except any of the
foregoing in favor of Bank.

      SECTION 5.5. LOANS, ADVANCES, INVESTMENTS. Make any loans or advances to
or investments in any person or entity, except any of the foregoing existing as
of, and disclosed to Bank prior to, the date hereof.

      SECTION 5.6. PLEDGE OF ASSETS. Mortgage, pledge, grant or permit to exist
a security interest in, or lien upon, all or any portion of Borrower's assets
now owned or hereafter acquired, except any of the foregoing in favor of Bank or
which is existing


                                      -11-
<PAGE>

as of, and disclosed to Bank in writing prior to, the date hereof.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                                EVENTS OF DEFAULT

      SECTION 6.1. The occurrence of any of the following shall constitute an
"Event of Default" under this Agreement:

      (a) Borrower shall fail to pay within three (3) days of the date when due
any principal, interest, fees or other amounts payable under any of the Loan
Documents.

       (b) Any financial statement or certificate furnished to Bank in
connection with, or any representation or warranty made by Borrower or any other
party under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall prove to be
incorrect, false or misleading in any material respect when furnished or made.  

      (c) Any default in the performance of or compliance with any obligation,
agreement or other provision contained herein or in any other Loan Document
(other than those referred to in subsections (a) and (b) above), and with
respect to any such default which by its nature can be cured, such default shall
continue for a period of twenty (20) days from its occurrence, except that in
the case of defaults which by their nature can be cured under the following
sections of this Agreement, such defaults shall continue for a period of twenty
(20) days after Borrower receives written notice thereof from Bank: Section 4.2
as it relates to the maintenance of adequate books and records; Section 4.3 as
it relates to the form and detail of financial statements; Section 4.4; Section
4.5; Section 4.6; Section 4.7 as it relates to the making of provision to Bank's
satisfaction for payment; and Section 4.11.

      (d) Any default in the payment or performance of any obligation, or any
defined event of default, under the terms of any contract or instrument (other
than any of the Loan Documents) pursuant to which Borrower or any guarantor
hereunder has incurred any debt or other liability to any person or entity,
including Bank; provided, however, that any cure period applicable thereto has
expired.

      (e) The filing of a notice of judgment lien against Borrower or any
guarantor hereunder; or the recording of any abstract of judgment against
Borrower or any guarantor hereunder in any county in which Borrower or such
guarantor has an interest in real property; or the service of a notice of levy
and/or of a writ of attachment or execution, or other like process, against the
assets of Borrower or any guarantor hereunder; or the entry


                                      -12-
<PAGE>

of a judgment against Borrower or any guarantor hereunder; provided, however,
that within twenty (20) days after the creation thereof, or at least ten (10)
days prior to the date on which any assets could be lawfully sold in
satisfaction thereof, such debt or claim, as the case may be, is not satisfied
or stayed pending appeal and insured against in a manner satisfactory to Bank.

      (f) Borrower or any guarantor hereunder shall become insolvent, or shall
suffer or consent to or apply for the appointment of a receiver, trustee,
custodian or liquidator of itself or any of its property, or shall generally
fail to pay its debts as they become due, or shall make a general assignment for
the benefit of creditors; Borrower or any guarantor hereunder shall file a
voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or seeking reorganization, in order to effect
a plan or other arrangement with creditors or any other relief under the
Bankruptcy Reform Act, Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended or
recodified from time to time ("Bankruptcy Code"), or under any state or federal
law granting relief to debtors, whether now or hereafter in effect; or any
involuntary petition or proceeding pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code or any other
applicable state or federal law relating to bankruptcy, reorganization or other
relief for debtors is filed or commenced against Borrower or any guarantor
hereunder and such involuntary petition or proceeding is unopposed or is not
dismissed within sixty (60) days of its commencement; or Borrower or any such
guarantor shall file an answer admitting the jurisdiction of the court and the
material allegations of any involuntary petition; or Borrower or any such
guarantor shall be adjudicated a bankrupt, or an order for relief shall be
entered against Borrower or any such guarantor by any court of competent
jurisdiction under the Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable state or federal
law relating to bankruptcy, reorganization or other relief for debtors.

      (g) There shall exist or occur any event or condition which Bank in good
faith believes impairs, or is substantially likely to impair, the prospect of
payment or performance by Borrower of its obligations under any of the Loan
Documents and same is not cured within thirty (30) days after written notice
thereof from Bank to Borrower.

      (h) The dissolution or liquidation of Borrower or any guarantor hereunder;
or Borrower or any such guarantor, or any of its their directors, stockholders
or members, shall take action seeking to effect the dissolution or liquidation
of Borrower or such guarantor.

      (i) Any change in ownership during the term of this Agreement of an
aggregate of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the common stock of members'
equity in Borrower.


                                      -13-
<PAGE>

      SECTION 6.2. REMEDIES. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default: (a)
all indebtedness of Borrower under each of the Loan Documents, any term thereof
to the contrary notwithstanding, shall at Bank's option and without notice
become immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or
notice of dishonor, all of which are hereby expressly waived by each Borrower;
(b) the obligation, if any, of Bank to extend any further credit under any of
the Loan Documents shall immediately cease and terminate; and (c) Bank shall
have all rights, powers and remedies available under each of the Loan Documents,
or accorded by law, including without limitation the right to resort to any or
all security for any credit accommodation from Bank subject hereto and to
exercise any or all of the rights of a beneficiary or secured party pursuant to
applicable law. All rights, powers and remedies of Bank may be exercised at any
time by Bank and from time to time after the occurrence of an Event of Default,
are cumulative and not exclusive, and shall be in addition to any other rights,
powers or remedies provided by law. or equity.

                                   ARTICLE VII
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

      SECTION 7.1. NO WAIVER. No delay, failure or discontinuance of Bank in
exercising any right, power or remedy under any of the Loan Documents shall
affect or operate as a waiver of such right, power or remedy; nor shall any
single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude, waive or
otherwise affect any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other right, power or remedy. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any
kind by Bank of any breach of or default under any of the Loan Documents must be
in writing and shall be effective only to the extent set forth in such writing.

      SECTION 7.2. NOTICES. All notices, requests and demands which any party is
required or may desire to give to any other party under any provision of this
Agreement must be in writing delivered to each party at the following address:

      BORROWER:    Watkins Contracting, Inc.
                   5490 Complex Street, Suite #603
                   San Diego, CA 92123

      BANK:        WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
                   San Diego Regional Commercial Banking Office
                   401 B Street, Suite 2201
                   San Diego, CA 92101


                                      -14-
<PAGE>

or to such other address as any party may designate by written notice to all
other parties. Each such notice, request and demand shall be deemed given or
made as follows: (a) if sent by hand delivery, upon delivery; (b) if sent by
mail, upon the earlier of the date of receipt or three (3) days after deposit in
the U.S. mail, first class and postage prepaid; and (c) if sent by telecopy,
upon receipt.

      SECTION 7.3. COSTS, EXPENSES AND ATTORNEYS' FEES. Borrower shall pay to
Bank immediately upon demand the full amount of all payments, advances, charges,
costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees (to include outside
counsel fees and all allocated costs of Bank's in-house counsel), expended or
incurred by Bank in connection with (a) the negotiation and preparation of this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents, Bank's continued administration hereof
and thereof, and the preparation of any amendments and waivers hereto and
thereto, (b) the enforcement of Bank's rights and/or the collection of any
amounts which become due to Bank under any of the Loan Documents, and (c) the
prosecution or defense of any action in any way related to any of the Loan
Documents, including without limitation, any action for declaratory relief,
whether incurred at the trial or appellate level, in an arbitration proceeding
or otherwise, and including any of the foregoing incurred in connection with any
bankruptcy proceeding (including without limitation, any adversary proceeding,
contested matter or motion brought by Bank or any other person) relating to any
Borrower or any other person or entity.

      SECTION 7.4. SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon
and inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, legal
representatives, successors and assigns of the parties; provided however, that
Borrower may not assign or transfer its interest hereunder without Bank's prior
written consent. Bank reserves the right to sell, assign, transfer, negotiate or
grant participations in all or any part of, or any interest in, Bank's rights
and benefits under each of the Loan Documents. In connection therewith, Bank may
disclose all documents and information which Bank now has or may hereafter
acquire relating to any credit extended by Bank to Borrower, Borrower or its
business, any guarantor hereunder or the business of such guarantor, or any
collateral required hereunder.

      SECTION 7.5. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENT. This Agreement and the other
Loan Documents constitute the entire agreement between Borrower and Bank with
respect to any extension of credit by Bank subject hereto and supersede all
prior negotiations, communications, discussions and correspondence concerning
the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be amended or modified only in
writing signed by each party hereto.


                                      -15-
<PAGE>

      SECTION 7.6. NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement is made and
entered into for the sole protection and benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective permitted successors and assigns, and no other person or entity shall
be a third party beneficiary of, or have any direct or indirect cause of action
or claim in connection with, this Agreement or any other of the Loan Documents
to which it is not a party.

      SECTION 7.7. TIME. Time is of the essence of each and every provision of
this Agreement and each other of the Loan Documents.

      SECTION 7.8. SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS. If any provision of this
Agreement shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision
shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity
without invalidating the remainder of such provision or any remaining provisions
of this Agreement.

      SECTION 7.9. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which when executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an
original, and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same
Agreement.

      SECTION 7.10. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

      SECTION 7.11. ARBITRATION.

      (a) Arbitration. Upon the demand of any party, any Dispute shall be
resolved by binding arbitration (except as set forth in (e) below) in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement. A "Dispute" shall mean any action, dispute,
claim or controversy of any kind, whether in contract or tort, statutory or
common law, legal or equitable, now existing or hereafter arising under or in
connection with, or in any way pertaining to, any of the Loan Documents, or any
past, present or future extensions of credit and other activities, transactions
or obligations of any kind related directly or indirectly to any of the Loan
Documents, including without limitation, any of the foregoing arising in
connection with the exercise of any self-help, ancillary or other remedies
pursuant to any of the Loan Documents. Any party may by summary proceedings
bring an action in court to compel arbitration of a Dispute. Any party who fails
or refuses to submit to arbitration following a lawful demand by any other party
shall bear all costs and expenses incurred by such other party in compelling
arbitration of any Dispute.

      (b) Governing Rules. Arbitration proceedings shall be administered by the
American Arbitration Association ("AAA") or


                                      -16-
<PAGE>

such other administrator as the parties shall mutually agree upon in accordance
with the AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules. All Disputes submitted to arbitration
shall be resolved in accordance with the Federal Arbitration Act (Title 9 of the
United States Code), notwithstanding any conflicting choice of law provision in
any of the Loan Documents. The arbitration shall be conducted at a location in
California selected by the AAA or other administrator. If there is any
inconsistency between the terms hereof and any such rules, the terms and
procedures set forth herein shall control. All statutes of limitation applicable
to any Dispute shall apply to any arbitration proceeding. All discovery
activities shall be expressly limited to matters directly relevant to the
Dispute being arbitrated. Judgment upon any award rendered in an arbitration may
be entered in any court having jurisdiction; provided however, that nothing
contained herein shall be deemed to be a waiver by any party that is a bank of
the protections afforded to it under 12 U.S.C. ss.91 or any similar applicable
state law.

      (c) No Waiver; Provisional Remedies, Self-Help and Foreclosure. No
provision hereof shall limit the right of any party to exercise self-help
remedies such as setoff, foreclosure against or sale of any real or personal
property collateral or security, or to obtain provisional or ancillary remedies,
including without limitation injunctive relief, sequestration, attachment,
garnishment or the appointment of a receiver, from a court of competent
jurisdiction before, after or during the pendency of any arbitration or other
proceeding. The exercise of any such remedy shall not waive the right of any
party to compel arbitration or reference hereunder.

      (d) Arbitrator Qualifications and Powers; Awards. Arbitrators must be
active members of the California State Bar or retired judges of the state or
federal judiciary of California, with expertise in the substantive laws
applicable to the subject matter of the Dispute. Arbitrators are empowered to
resolve Disputes by summary rulings in response to motions filed prior to the
final arbitration hearing. Arbitrators (i) shall resolve all Disputes in
accordance with the substantive law of the state of California, (ii) may grant
any remedy or relief that a court of the state of California could order or
grant within the scope hereof and such ancillary relief as is necessary to make
effective any award, and (iii) shall have the power to award recovery of all
costs and fees, to impose sanctions and to take such other actions as they deem
necessary to the same extent a judge could pursuant to the Federal Rules of
Civil Procedure, the California Rules of Civil Procedure or other applicable
law. Any Dispute in which the amount in controversy is $5,000,000 or less shall
be decided by a single arbitrator who shall not render an award of greater than
$5,000,000 (including damages, costs, fees and expenses). By submission to a
single arbitrator, each party


                                      -17-
<PAGE>

expressly waives any right or claim to recover more than $5,000,000. Any Dispute
in which the amount in controversy exceeds $5,000,000 shall be decided by
majority vote of a panel of three arbitrators; provided however, that all three
arbitrators must actively participate in all hearings and deliberations.

      (e) Judicial Review. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in
any arbitration in which the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000,000, the
arbitrators shall be required to make specific, written findings of fact and
conclusions of law. In such arbitrations (i) the arbitrators shall not have the
power to make any award which is not supported by substantial evidence or which
is based on legal error, (ii) an award shall not be binding upon the parties
unless the findings of fact are supported by substantial evidence and the
conclusions of law are not erroneous under the substantive law of the state of
California, and (iii) the parties shall have in addition to the grounds
referred to in the Federal Arbitration Act for vacating, modifying or
correcting an award the right to judicial review of (A) whether the findings of
fact rendered by the arbitrators are supported by substantial evidence, and (B)
whether the conclusions of law are erroneous under the substantive law of the
state of California. Judgment confirming an award in such a proceeding may be
entered only if a court determines the award is supported by substantial
evidence and not based on legal error under the substantive law of the state of
California.

      (f) Real Property Collateral; Judicial Reference.  Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, no Dispute shall be submitted to arbitration if
the Dispute concerns indebtedness secured directly or indirectly, in whole or in
part, by any real property unless (i) the holder of the mortgage, lien or
security interest specifically elects in writing to proceed with the
arbitration, or (ii) all parties to the arbitration waive any rights or benefits
that might accrue to them by virtue of the single action rule statute of
California, thereby agreeing that all indebtedness and obligations of the
parties, and all mortgages, liens and security interests securing such
indebtedness and obligations, shall remain fully valid and enforceable. If any
such Dispute is not submitted to arbitration, the Dispute shall be referred to a
referee in accordance with California Code of Civil Procedure Section 638 et
seq., and this general reference agreement is intended to be specifically
enforceable in accordance with said Section 638. A referee with the
qualifications required herein for arbitrators shall be selected pursuant to the
AAA's selection procedures. Judgment upon the decision rendered by a referee
shall be entered in the court in which such proceeding was commenced in
accordance with California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 644 and 645.


                                      -18-
<PAGE>

       (g) Miscellaneous. To the maximum extent practicable, the AAA, the
arbitrators and the parties shall take all action required to conclude any
arbitration proceeding within 180 days of the filing of the Dispute with the
AAA. No arbitrator or other party to an arbitration proceeding may disclose the
existence, content or results thereof, except for disclosures of information by
a party required in the ordinary course of its business, by applicable law or
regulation, or to the extent necessary to exercise any judicial review rights
set forth herein. If more than one agreement for arbitration by or between the
parties potentially applies to a Dispute, the arbitration provision most
directly related to the Loan Documents or the subject matter of the Dispute
shall control. This arbitration provision shall survive termination, amendment
or expiration of any of the Loan Documents or any relationship between the
parties.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed as of the day and year first written above.

                                            WELLS FARGO BANK,
WATKINS CONTRACTING, INC.                     NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


By: /s/ Greg Watkins                        By: /s/ David Bruen
    --------------------------------            --------------------------------
                                                 David Bruen
Title: President                                 Vice President
       -----------------------------


                                      -19-