Latest news with #IIJA
Epoch Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Epoch Times
Fewer Than 400 EV Charging Ports Built Despite $7.5 Billion Biden Funding: Watchdog
Less than 400 additional electric vehicle (EV) public charging ports have been installed in the United States following billions of dollars of allocated funding under the Biden administration for building charging infrastructure, said a July 22 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, signed into law by then-President Joe Biden, appropriated $7.5 billion in funding for two programs—the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (NEVI) and the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program (CFI). The funds were aimed at supporting the development of public EV charging infrastructure.
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?
Newsweek
04-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Amtrak July 2025 Update Shows Map of New Rail Projects
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Amtrak has revealed the current progress of almost 30 high-speed rail infrastructure projects as part of its July update on the Northeast Corridor. The map shows progress on headline projects like the Frederick Douglass Tunnel, Susquehanna River Bridge, and the Portal North Bridge. Why It Matters The Northeast Corridor from Massachusetts to Virginia is the most active trainline in the U.S, and Amtrak has long-term plans to double the number of passengers it carries in the next three decades. If these construction works go to plan, the route could transport 66 million people a year by 2040. What To Know Amtrak splits its infrastructure progress into four phases: concept planning, procurement, advanced design/preconstruction, and major construction/manufacturing. In February, the 29 projects currently under progress showed nine projects in the advanced design and six in the major construction phase. As of July 2, there are now eight projects in the advanced design phase, while two more have entered the major construction phase. The projects that have entered the final stage, displayed as green in Amtrak's key, are the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program and the upgrades to Seattle's rail yard. A map of Amtrak's several expansion and modernization projects, upgrading trains, tracks and stations, on July 2, 2025. A map of Amtrak's several expansion and modernization projects, upgrading trains, tracks and stations, on July 2, 2025. Amtrak There are currently six major construction sites: Hudson Tunnel Project, Portal North Bridge, Connecticut River Bridge, Baltimore Penn Station, Philadelphia Gray 30th Street Station, and Philadelphia rail yard. The Northeast Corridor, which runs between Boston and Washington, D.C., with major metropolitan stops in New York City and Philadelphia, accounted for more than 14 million riders in 2024, a 15.9 percent increase from the previous year. Much of the construction activity is concentrated between New York and northeastern New Jersey, as well as between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) allocated $66 billion for rail projects, which was the largest federal investment in passenger rail since Amtrak was created. What People Are Saying In the update statement, Amtrak said: "America deserves world-class infrastructure, and here at Amtrak we are doing our part. With new investments, Amtrak is transforming into a modern and efficient intercity passenger rail operator achieving historic ridership demands while leading an innovative construction arm that leverages industry expertise to safely and efficiently deliver quality assets." We're leading a strong American workforce and private-sector partners in building new bridges, tunnels, and trains to help meet the historic demand for intercity passenger rail and improve connections for millions of people in more than 500 cities, towns, and rural areas around the country." What Happens Next The projects are expected to progress through all four phases to completion by 2040.
Business Wire
01-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Gigapower Appoints Donna Rattley Washington as Head of Strategy
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gigapower, a joint venture between AT&T and a fund managed by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a part of BlackRock with the goal of expanding high-speed, reliable fiber internet through open-access networks, has appointed Donna Rattley Washington to the position of Head of Strategy. In this role, Washington will lead Gigapower's engagement with strategic partners to identify new and innovative growth opportunities. She will also work with the company's executive leadership team to maximize emerging initiatives with internet service providers (ISPs), technology companies, public sector entities and digital platform providers with the ultimate goal of driving performance and revenue. Her charge includes turning Gigapower's infrastructure advantage into a diversified revenue engine. 'Donna brings a unique blend of strategic foresight, legal acumen, and business development expertise to Gigapower,' said Jeff Seidenfaden, Chief Revenue Officer. 'Her track record of unlocking growth through partnerships and policy makes her the ideal leader to help us build our open access network and shape the next phase of our business strategy. Donna's leadership will be instrumental in accelerating Gigapower's impact and value.' Prior to joining Gigapower, Washington served as General Counsel for Boundless Broadband, where she led all legal, regulatory, and government affairs functions. Before that, she was the Vice President of Government Affairs and Policy at EducationSuperHighway, directing national legal and regulatory advocacy to shape implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), including BEAD and Digital Equity programs. In addition, Washington held senior roles at Comcast, spearheading regional Smart City initiatives. 'Gigapower has a rare opportunity to build a new kind of broadband business — one that delivers real value through openness, choice, and innovation,' said Washington. 'I look forward to shaping strategic alliances and launching new revenue-generating services that fully leverage our infrastructure investments and bring more opportunity to the communities we serve.' About Gigapower: Gigapower builds, owns, and operates a state-of-the-art fiber network to serve internet service providers and other businesses in select locations within the US. Gigapower builds networks that enable multiple internet service providers (ISPs) to use it, resulting in a 'build it once' construction event that can be utilized by multiple ISPs, enabling choice and competition for residents and small businesses within your community. With Gigapower, AT&T — one of the largest investors in fiber in America — and BlackRock — one of the largest investors in infrastructure — have come together through a joint venture to deliver access to super-fast, reliable, high-capacity fiber to more communities.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Can Sterling Continue to Maintain Its 29% EPS Growth in 2025?
Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. STRL has shifted its focus toward large-scale mission-critical projects, including data centers, which are proving incremental for its bottom line and revenue visibility. Supporting this strategic decision of the company is the current favorable market backdrop concerning public infrastructure demand, backed by several government initiatives, namely the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), CHIPS Act and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This shift toward higher-margin service offerings is boding well for STRL's margin and earnings per share (EPS) growth, as evidenced by the 29.4% year-over-year EPS growth in the first quarter of 2025, alongside its adjusted operating margin expanding 618 basis demand for data center-related projects is currently strong in the market thanks to the ongoing surge in Artificial Intelligence applications and the focus on digital transformation initiatives. STRL highlighted that the mission-critical projects hold the majority of its E-Infrastructure segment's (51% of first quarter 2025 revenue) backlog, with data center-related work accounting for more than 65%. Backed by the robust market trends, the E-Infrastructure segment's backlog grew 27% year over year to $1.2 billion as of the first quarter of 2025, with Sterling finishing the quarter with a total backlog of $2.13 Sterling's efficient project management skills and ability to complete projects on or before the deadline are acting as a catalyst toward its growth amid the favorable infrastructure spending market backdrop. Owing to these tailwinds, the company raised its 2025 adjusted EPS guidance to be in the range of $8.40-$8.90 from the previously expected range of $7.90-$8.40. The updated values reflect 18.5-25.5% year-over-year growth. The analysts' sentiments are bullish for Sterling, attributable to increased public infrastructure demand and its ability to capitalize on those opportunities, driving its backlog. For 2025, STRL's earnings estimates have trended upward in the past 60 days to $8.61 per share. The estimated figures reflect 41.2% year-over-year growth. Although the 2026 earnings estimate has been revised downward in the past 60 days to $9.48 per share, the estimated figure indicates 10.1% year-over-year growth. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Moreover, EPS estimates for the second, third and fourth quarters indicate 35.3%, 32.5% and 43.8% year-over-year growth, respectively. The robust trend indicates that the company will be able to maintain or rather outperform its EPS growth streak for the remainder of 2025. STRL shares space with renowned market players, including EMCOR Group, Inc. EME and Quanta Services, Inc. PWR, which are also benefiting from the market backdrop of strong public infrastructure demand, especially across data centers, energy infrastructure and power grid is a Connecticut-based mechanical and electrical construction, industrial and energy infrastructure, and building services provider, which is gaining from the growing infrastructural demand across the network and communications sector. For 2025 and 2026, EMCOR's EPS estimates trended upward in the past 60 days by 0.9% to $23.59 and 0.3% to $25.47, indicating 9.6% and 8% year-over-year growth, is a Texas-based infrastructure services provider, currently benefiting from its involvement in the advancement and implementation of technology solutions throughout the entire decarbonization spectrum. For 2025 and 2026, Quanta's EPS estimates moved up in the past 60 days by 1% to $10.33 and 0.1% to $11.69, indicating 15.2% and 13.2% year-over-year growth, respectively. Shares of this Texas-based infrastructure services provider have gained 35.7% so far this year, significantly outperforming the Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry, the broader Zacks Construction sector, and the S&P 500 index. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research STRL stock is currently trading at a premium compared with the industry peers, with a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 25.32X, as evidenced by the chart below. The overvaluation of the stock compared with its industry peers indicates its strong potential in the market, given the favorable trends backing it up. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Quanta Services, Inc. (PWR) : Free Stock Analysis Report EMCOR Group, Inc. (EME) : Free Stock Analysis Report Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
