United for Infrastructure 2021: A Week of Broad Agreement & Urgency
May 13, 2021
United for Infrastructure 2021 is drawing to a close. The week was full of in-depth panels, remarks, and interviews on the importance of infrastructure systems to the economic vitality of all communities. A focus on infrastructure from diverse stakeholders was especially timely as President Joe Biden continues to advocate for his American Jobs Plan that......
Treasury Provides Guidance on State and Local COVID-19 Aid
May 12, 2021
On Monday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) launched the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF) program. The program was first authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). CSLFRF provides $350 billion in emergency funding for eligible state, local, territorial, and tribal governments to help turn the tide on the pandemic,......
The Endless Frontier Act – A Dramatic Boost for Research and Development
April 22, 2021
On Wednesday, April 21, the U.S. Senate introduced a bipartisan bill — the Endless Frontier Act — that would increase American investments in science and technology innovation with the goal of strengthening the economy and competing worldwide. The effort is led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Todd Young (R-IN), and would,......
Five points on grid modernization as we build a more resilient future
April 19, 2021
Guest Post By Ruth Gratzke, President of Siemens Smart Infrastructure I recently came across some startling numbers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration about the frequency of major weather and climate disasters in the U.S. We’ve experienced 291 events with damages or costs of at least $1 billion since 1980. And their recurrence doesn’t......
President Biden Releases FY22 ‘Skinny Budget’
April 15, 2021
Last Friday the White House sent Congress its initial $1.5 trillion budget request for discretionary appropriations in fiscal year (FY) 2022. Known as the ‘skinny budget,’ the document provides the first glimpse of President Biden’s spending priorities. The 58- page budget request is the first since 2013 that is not tied to spending caps, which......
President Biden Unveils Infrastructure Plan
April 01, 2021
President Biden has unveiled his long-awaited infrastructure plan, calling on what he describes as a generational investment in our nation’s most critical assets and the largest infrastructure package that this country has seen in over five decades. The $2.2 trillion, eight-year, American Jobs Plan will go a long way to ensure that our nation’s infrastructure......
Resilience Takes Center Stage in Congress
March 18, 2021
Now that Congress has passed the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, President Joe Biden and lawmakers are laying the groundwork for another top legislative priority — a long-sought after boost to the nation’s roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. With COVID-19 relief done Congress has begun a series of hearings on sustainable and resilient infrastructure, a......
ASCE Unveils Newest Infrastructure Gamechangers
March 13, 2021
It’s easy to dwell on negativity, particularly in regards to infrastructure trends. The increasing funding gap, potholes and deteriorating bridges, power outages – the list seems overwhelming. But engineers don’t dwell on these problems – they offer solutions. To celebrate innovation in the engineering field, the ASCE just designated 13 new Infrastructure Gamechangers—groundbreaking infrastructure projects......
Congress Passes COVID-19 Relief Package
March 10, 2021
This week Congress passed the American Rescue Plan – a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package which provides critical relief across the economy and our nation’s infrastructure. This legislation is President Biden’s first legislative victory and the third round of federal COVID-19 relief. Following the budget reconciliation process the original version of the relief package passed......
Now is the Time for Strong Infrastructure Investment
March 08, 2021
Guest Post by John Barton, PE, Senior Vice President, HNTB We can do better Infrastructure investment is needed now. Clearly the last 15 months have taught us the urgency of why now is the time. The lack of spending on infrastructure has been devasting. Blackouts in Texas. Wildfires in California, Oregon and Colorado. The alphabetical......
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