Latest news with #ASCE
CBS News
6 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Colorado gets C-minus on infrastructure in latest report card from American Society of Civil Engineers
Colorado has received a grade of C-minus on its 2025 Infrastructure Report Card, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. The report evaluated 14 infrastructure categories, including aviation, bridges, dams, drinking water, energy, levees, parks, rail, roads, schools, solid waste, stormwater, transit, and wastewater. "Colorado's overall infrastructure grade remains a C-, unchanged from 2020, signaling persistent challenges and urgent needs despite areas of progress," the report read. According to the ASCE, Colorado's population has grown by 39% since 2000, which has led to more vehicles on the road, increased traffic congestion, and additional wear and tear on infrastructure. The report also examined the time and money drivers lose while sitting in traffic. One section of the report highlighted the following key findings: Each category was individually graded, highlighting deficiencies and offering recommendations for improvement. "There's great excitement for infrastructure here at DIA, but we also need to think about it all over the world -- and how climate change is impacting it," Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington said in response to the report. You can read the full report card here:
Forbes
17-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Role Of Technology In Transforming The Infrastructure That Moves Us Forward
Ronald Bisio is Senior Vice President, Field Systems, at Trimble. America's infrastructure—the silent backbone of our daily lives—is undergoing a much-needed transformation. From the roads we drive on to the pipes that deliver our water, these interconnected systems are fundamental to our economy, global competitiveness and quality of life. We take them for granted when they're functioning seamlessly, but any inefficiency or failure is quickly felt by households and businesses. After decades of underinvestment, this is not the time to let up on the gas. We need to sustain the momentum created by recent federal investments from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). With technological advances bridging gaps and fueling progress, we should continue to modernize our vital infrastructure. The Foundation Under Our Feet Infrastructure encompasses much more than most realize. Beyond highways, streets, mass transit, ports, airports and inland waterways, it includes dams, levees, utility networks and public schools. These public and private networks provide the power, water, waste removal, recreation and education essential for daily life. The latest Report Card for America's Infrastructure from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is a 'C' overall (up slightly from a 'C-'), indicating recent federal investments from IIJA have led to improvements in several infrastructure sectors. But much work is still needed to meet future demands. As our existing systems continue to age, demands steadily increase, leading to a substantial investment gap. For instance, 39% of major U.S. roads are in poor or mediocre condition, costing the average driver over $1,400 annually in vehicle operating costs and lost time, according to the infrastructure report card. Bridges also face an uphill battle, with 49.1% in "fair" condition, requiring attention to prevent costlier deterioration. Bridge rehabilitation needs in the U.S. still stand at $191 billion. Prior to the IIJA, federal infrastructure spending was about 1.5% of GDP, relatively small compared to the United Kingdom (2%), France (2.4%) and Australia (3.5%), according to a 2021 Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program report. At 1.4%, Germany spends slightly less than the U.S. The IIJA, while significant, expires in 2026, leading to uncertainty about sustained funding. Addressing The Infrastructure Construction Workforce Shortage A growing workforce shortage in infrastructure construction also holds us back. Many experienced professionals are retiring or moving to the private sector, leaving state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) struggling and forced to do more with less. The Federal Highway Administration's Every Day Counts (EDC) program helps address this by driving technology adoption in state and local transportation. EDC promotes innovations like e-construction and 3D models to reduce errors and rework, yielding efficiency gains and cost savings. Since EDC's inception in 2009, each state has used 26 or more of its 57 promoted innovations, with many now as mainstream practices. Paving The Way With Connected Workflows Infrastructure agencies and partners are increasingly embracing digital technologies and prioritizing data sharing and connected workflows across design, construction, asset management and maintenance departments. The Colorado Department of Transportation used innovative project delivery methods to replace its Region 2 Bridge Bundle project about five months ahead of schedule and $2 million under budget. Here are other examples: • All-digital workflows use mobile mapping and lidar (light detection and ranging) for rapid and highly accurate data collection, significantly reducing the need for human presence in dangerous areas and enhancing safety. Some state DOTs stipulate that surveyors use mobile lidar in specific contexts for enhanced data collection, project accuracy and safety. • Artificial intelligence (AI) processes vast amounts of lidar, location and image data for asset inventories and condition assessments. This means quicker, more precise identification of infrastructure needs, allowing for proactive maintenance rather than costly reactive repairs. • Integrated workflows in machine control systems load 3D design models directly onto construction equipment, enabling high-accuracy operations guided by digital designs. • Interoperability is also a crucial data advancement, fostering seamless data exchange between different software and systems used by various stakeholders. In fact, the most advanced states go a step further. By standardizing on a vendor and embracing integrated workflows, they are seeing increased cost savings and efficiencies. For instance, a Minnesota DOT project reduced a 600-hour process to 73 hours, an 87% efficiency increase. Funding programs like the SMART Grants Program and the Advanced Digital Construction Management Systems (ADCMS) Grant Program actively support technological adoption. These grants incentivize DOTs to modernize workflows and embrace digital construction technologies, leading to significant cost savings. Recent permitting reforms are another indicator that the government is digitizing and leveraging technology to streamline and accelerate processes and reduce red tape. This digital transformation extends beyond roads and bridges. Wastewater utilities use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and advanced metering; the energy sector invests in smart grids and AI for capital allocation, peak identification, load forecasting and automated rerouting; and public parks utilize GIS and digital twin maps for asset management. Business Leaders: Your Role In Shaping The Future Of Infrastructure This technological revolution in infrastructure extends beyond government agencies. Leaders across construction, technology, government and related industries are crucial to achieving a world-class infrastructure system. Here's how you can contribute: • Embrace new methods: Businesses across sectors can benefit from digital delivery, 3D scanning, AI and data analytics, optimizing internal operations and creating demand for advanced solutions. • Advocate for sustained investment: Emphasize the long-term economic benefits of resilient, technologically advanced infrastructure, highlighting its direct impact on commerce and reduction of costly disruptions. • Engage on policy: Stay informed and engaged in policymaking at all levels of government to ensure we are getting the most from our tax dollars. Communicate industry needs to representatives, supporting policies that incentivize innovation, promote interoperability and address workforce development in civil engineering and related fields. By embracing technological innovation and advocating for smart, sustained investments, business and technology leaders can help ensure that America's infrastructure is not just maintained but transformed to support the demands and aspirations of the 21st century and beyond. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ALLSPRING LAUNCHES ACTIVE EQUITY, MUNI ETFs
ALRG, ASCE, and AUSM join growing suite of ETFs, all based on proven strategies CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allspring Global Investments™, a global asset management firm with $600 billion* in assets under advisement, today launched a trio of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), providing access to distinctive equity and tax-exempt investment strategies with track records ranging from 10 to nearly 25 years. The Allspring LT Large Core ETF (ALRG), Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE), and Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF (AUSM) began trading today on the NYSE Arca. "Investors want differentiated strategies for their active management allocation, and these funds meet that expectation," Allspring CEO Kate Burke said. "The LT Large Core and SMID Core equity ETFs both use proprietary investment strategies that have held up across multiple market cycles, in part because they have evolved over time to reflect changing market dynamics. The Ultra Short Municipal ETF is designed with the goal of providing a higher all-in yield compared with taxable alternatives at a time when investors are concerned about falling short-term rates." Managed by Neville Javeri, head of the nine-member Empiric LT Equity team, ALRG is based on a disciplined fundamental investment process anchored by a valuation framework that seeks to exploit price inefficiencies of high-quality companies. Managed by John Campbell and supported by a team of nine investment professionals, ASCE uses a model with over 150 factors to evaluate companies across three primary categories—valuation, quality, and momentum—to generate a shortlist of companies for further qualitative analysis. The Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF is led by Nick Venditti, head of Municipal Fixed Income, and a team of 10 portfolio managers who seek to exploit market inefficiencies while employing prudent risk management in the tax-exempt muni sector. The expense ratios for ALRG, ASCE, and AUSM are 0.28%, 0.38%, and 0.18%, respectively. "All three of these strategies were selected based on a deep assessment of client needs, Allspring's capabilities, and the broader market opportunity. I'm particularly excited we can bring one to market that can serve as an attractive cash alternative," said Rick Genoni, global head of Product Development and Innovation and leader of Allspring's ETF initiative. "'AUSM' only begins to describe a product that can deliver after-tax yields that may compare favorably with many alternative short-term fixed income options." This is Allspring's third group of actively managed ETFs launched since late 2024: Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF (AFIX), Allspring Core Plus ETF (APLU), Allspring Income Plus ETF (AINP), Allspring Special Large Value ETF (ASLV), and Allspring LT Large Growth ETF (AGRW). About Allspring Allspring Global Investments™ is an independent asset management firm with more than $600 billion in assets under advisement*, over 20 offices globally, and investment teams supported by 390+ investment professionals. Allspring is committed to thoughtful investing, purposeful planning, and inspiring a new era of investing that pursues both financial returns and positive outcomes. For more information, please visit *As of March 31, 2025. Figures include discretionary and non-discretionary assets. Learn more about Allspring's ETFs at This communication is not an offer to sell this security and is not a solicitation to buy this security in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted. Investors are advised to carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of an ETF before investing. The prospectus and the summary prospectus for each ETF contains this and other important information about the ETFs and is available at Please read these documents carefully before investing. Allspring ETFs are not available for distribution outside of the United States. It is possible that an active trading market for ETF shares will not develop, which may hurt your ability to buy or sell shares, particularly in times of market stress. Shares may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value (NAV) in the secondary market. These variations may be greater when markets are volatile or subject to unusual conditions. There can be no assurance that active trading markets for the shares will develop or be maintained by market makers or authorized participants. Shares of the ETFs are not redeemable with the ETF other than in creation unit aggregations. Instead, investors must buy or sell the ETF shares in the secondary market at market price (not NAV) through a broker-dealer. In doing so, the investor may incur brokerage commissions and may pay more than NAV when buying and may receive less than NAV when selling. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Bond values fluctuate in response to the financial condition of individual issuers, general market and economic conditions, and changes in interest rates. Changes in market conditions and government policies may lead to periods of heightened volatility in the bond market and reduced liquidity for certain bonds held by the fund. In general, when interest rates rise, bond values fall and investors may lose principal value. Interest rate changes and their impact on the fund and its share price can be sudden and unpredictable. High yield securities and junk bonds have a greater risk of default and tend to be more volatile than higher-rated securities with similar maturities. Mortgage- and asset-backed securities may decline in value and become less liquid when defaults on the underlying mortgages or assets occur and may become volatile in periods of rising interest rates. Foreign investments are especially volatile and can rise or fall dramatically due to differences in the political and economic conditions of the host country. These risks are generally intensified in emerging markets. Consult the fund's prospectus for additional information on these and other risks. Allspring Global Investments (Allspring) is the trade name for the asset management companies of Allspring Global Investments Holdings, LLC, a holding company indirectly owned by certain private funds of GTCR LLC and Reverence Capital Partners, L.P. These firms include but are not limited to Allspring Global Investments, LLC; Allspring Funds Management, LLC; and Galliard Capital Management. Certain products managed by Allspring entities are distributed by Allspring Funds Distributor, LLC (a broker-dealer and Member FINRA/SIPC). ALL-06242025-svnzraph. © 2025 Allspring Global Investments Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Allspring Global Investments Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
HL
LAWRENCE, Kan., July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Steven L. McCabe, PhD is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member for his contributions in Leading Government Engineering Efforts. Steven L. McCabe, PhD, brings decades of expertise in engineering, particularly in earthquake hazard reduction efforts, to his role as Director, Disaster Impact Reduction Office at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). With a robust academic background including a Doctor of Philosophy in civil engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Dr. McCabe has been instrumental in managing critical national programs such as the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program (NWIRP) and the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP). His leadership extends to disaster and failure studies, enhancing building safety standards against natural disasters. Dr. McCabe's career is marked by significant contributions to earthquake hazard reduction and leadership roles in both academic and governmental sectors. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Kansas and Colorado, affiliated with professional organizations including ASCE, ASME, ACI, and EERI. Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. McCabe actively participates in local community and charitable initiatives. With his wife Annie by his side, Dr. McCabe enjoys spectator sports and has a fondness for dogs. He attributes much of his career success to the guidance of his mentor, Dr. William J. Hall. Looking forward, Dr. McCabe is committed to ensuring the reauthorization and adequate funding of statutory programs under his leadership at NIST. His future projections include further enhancing building safety standards to mitigate natural disaster risks, reflecting his ongoing dedication to engineering excellence and public safety. Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@ View original content: SOURCE The Inner Circle
Business Journals
01-07-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Missouri American Water keeps quality on tap
Missouri American Water has continued providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable water and wastewater service since 1886. With nearly 140 years of experience, the company has become a leader in the water and wastewater industry. Serving approximately 1.6 million Missourians, we strictly follow regulations that are set by local authorities as well as federal standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). We understand how important water and wastewater service is to daily life. When you need it, you expect it to be there. Water quality For 22 years, six of our treatment plants have been recognized with the Directors Award from the Partnership for Safe Water, a voluntary initiative developed by six prestigious drinking water organizations, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For a second year in a row, Missouri American Water has won the Drinking Water Taste Test award at the joint MO-AWWA/MWEA conference. The company's Water Quality Reports are published online and are updated each spring. expand Investing in aging infrastructure Recently released grades from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2025 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, a comprehensive assessment of the nation's 18 major infrastructure categories, paint a grim and stagnant picture for water and wastewater systems across the U.S. Drinking water infrastructure received a grade of C-, while wastewater infrastructure earned a D+. These grades haven't changed or improved in the four years since the ASCE 2021 Report Card. With over 1 trillion dollars in infrastructure investments needed in water and wastewater across the country over the next two decades, Missouri American Water continues to work with local, state and federal leaders to provide expertise and investment in communities that need to strengthen their water and wastewater systems. Providing high quality water and wastewater service is our top priority. Customers and community leaders can view an interactive map of the company's pipe replacement projects. Projects are prioritized based on main break rate, system criticality and coordination with state and local governments. Passing of SB 4 Recently, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed a bill that will allow private utilities in Missouri to plan rates based on future costs versus historical costs. This helps utility companies, like Missouri American Water, plan for necessary investments while focusing on rate stability. Built-in projections help safeguard customers from being overcharged if actual costs are lower than estimated. Why Future Test Year is good public policy: Incentivizes greater infrastructure investment Attracts business and makes Missouri more competitive for economic development Aligns Missouri with most other states, which use modern rate-setting tools to balance customer protection and investment needs Keeps rates predictable by allowing utilities to invest in new technologies and perform necessary maintenance to improve reliability Excess charges will be refunded to customers if projected costs are overestimated, creating a fairer system where customers only pay for actual, justified expenses Helping Eureka solve water and wastewater challenges In 2022, Missouri American Water began providing water and wastewater service to the city of Eureka. Prior to the acquisition, the city found it increasingly difficult and costly to meet federal and state regulations and find personnel with the ability to operate the systems efficiently. Many residents complained about the aesthetic qualities of the city's drinking water which was supplied by wells. In addition to the purchase price of $28 million, Missouri American Water pledged to invest $37 million over the next 10 years to improve the city's water quality, upgrade aging infrastructure and maintain regulatory compliance. With the acquisition, we welcomed the city employees as our own. Construction of a five-mile pipeline to our St. Louis Treatment Plant was completed in late 2024. As of May, all Eureka residents and businesses are receiving water that is treated at our Central Plant in Chesterfield. The company is actively replacing aged meters with Advanced Meter Infrastructure. These investments will improve Eureka's water quality while allowing for proactive leak detection.
