Infrastructure
California High-Speed Rail Project Funds May Run Out by End of 2027, Inspector General Report Warns of Financing Risks
A July 31 report by the California High-Speed Rail Authority's Inspector General warned that if borrowing against the anticipated $1 billion per year cap-and-trade funds through 2046 is not possible, project funds could be exhausted by December 2027. The report highlighted issues with the Authority's optimistic assumptions and cost estimates, and mentioned challenges such as terminated federal funding and higher private financing costs.
Skanska-Stacy Witbeck JV wins $1.9 billion light rail project in California
The Skanska-Stacy Witbeck joint venture has been awarded the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project contract by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, with a total contract value of $1.9 billion, of which Skanska's share is $957 million. The project includes a 6.7-mile at-grade light rail line, a 26-acre maintenance facility, and 11 new stations, with completion expected in December 2031.
Bank of America commits $250 billion to support U.S. infrastructure construction
Bank of America announced on Wednesday that it will provide $250 billion for financing key infrastructure projects, covering digital, energy, and core infrastructure sectors, aiming to strengthen U.S. competitiveness, promote employment, and energy security. The plan aligns with the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, with funds to be deployed by July 4, 2027.
Skanska Small Business Outreach Lead: DBE Policy Adjustments Present New Opportunities
Teresa Maxwell, DBE Compliance Officer for Skanska Civil Engineering Western Region, stated that small business outreach has become more efficient due to technological advancements, but communication and matching challenges remain in large projects. She believes that although federal DBE certification adjustments bring uncertainty, they also present an opportunity for owners to deepen community engagement and optimize project goals.
Pennsylvania Plans $90 Billion Over 12 Years to Upgrade Transportation Infrastructure
The Pennsylvania Transportation Commission approved a 12-year, $90 billion infrastructure investment plan on August 6, covering roads, bridges, transit, airports, rail, and active transportation. The plan represents an increase of over 3% from the 2025 version and has been submitted for federal review.
FAA allocates $870 million for airport infrastructure upgrades across the United States
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on August 4 that it will invest $870 million in airport infrastructure improvement projects nationwide, issuing 339 grants covering 44 states and two territories. The funding comes from the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and is the fifth and final batch of $2.89 billion in grants for fiscal year 2026. Key projects include terminal roadway construction at Los Angeles International Airport and roof reconstruction at Miami International Airport.
Cadiz Signs Two Contracts Totaling $403.3 Million to Advance Southern California Water Pipeline Conversion
Fenner Gap Mutual Water Company, an affiliate of Los Angeles water infrastructure company Cadiz, has signed maximum-price construction contracts with W.M. Lyles and Mike Bubalo Construction for the Northern Pipeline conversion project. The project will convert a 220-mile natural gas pipeline into a water conveyance system, with total cost estimated at $403.3 million.
Cyberattacks on water systems in multiple U.S. states affect over 30 institutions, exposing industry vulnerabilities
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a notice on July 30 stating that malicious cyber actors have targeted programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in water and wastewater treatment systems across at least 7 states, with some attacks causing degraded water treatment operations. Minnesota confirmed that over 30 community water systems were affected by malicious cyber activity, while Michigan reported 9 water systems attacked but operations remained safe. The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommend that water agencies disconnect PLCs from the internet, enable password protection, and restrict remote access.
Trump Unveils $22.5 Billion Comprehensive Renovation Plan for Dulles Airport
The Trump administration announced a $22.5 billion comprehensive renovation of Washington Dulles International Airport, planning to replace terminals, add gates, and replace the existing people mover system with a U-shaped train. The project is jointly overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the airport authority, and United Airlines, with funding raised through municipal bonds and public-private partnership models, significantly expanding on the previous $7 billion modernization plan.
Amtrak Adjusts Scope of Baltimore's $6 Billion Tunnel Project, Main Tunneling Work to Begin Soon
Amtrak announced progress on its $6 billion Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel replacement project while adjusting the project scope in response to construction market conditions. Adjustments include eliminating an intermediate ventilation facility and raising the track elevation at the tunnel's lowest point to reduce community impact and optimize costs. The project's main tunneling work is about to commence, with an expected opening in 2036.