Trends in Air Transportation Deliver Diverse Contracting Opportunities in 2021
Even though the world is dealing with a pandemic and travel has been discouraged for months, Nov. 29, 2020, set a record for the number of people passing through United States airports during a single day that year. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported that approximately 1.2 million citizens flew that Sunday.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has identified 3,304 existing public-use airports and six proposed new airports that are expected to drive spending estimates to approximately $43.6 billion for projects that will be launched over the next few years. That’s an increase of $8.5 billion from the last estimate.
Transit authorities to launch major new initiatives in coming years
Contractors should pay attention to sustainability and expansion initiatives coming down the line to position themselves to take advantage of opportunities. As the Biden Administration begins to address climate change, transit authorities throughout the country will benefit from funding.
Clean air is a major component of sustainability, so increased funding will flow to public transit authorities in an effort to reduce the number of automobiles on roadways. Major initiatives at the local levels of government will provide hundreds of contracting opportunities as public officials attempt to make public transportation more convenient, economical and attractive.
New transportation funding trends are worthy of note
Transportation leaders have hoped for years that Congress would pass an infrastructure bill, but chances for billion-dollar infusions of cash don’t seem likely. Now, there are pilot programs and studies on ways to generate revenue, and there’s evidence of a major trend that’s developing.
Transportation infrastructure will be a high priority throughout the country in 2021. Many large projects have already been announced, and others are anticipated. However, there are significant indications that a major change is emerging in how transportation-related projects will be funded in the future.
Ports rebounding from pandemic offer large contracts
The Port of Galveston has announced a bulkhead replacement and mooring upgrade project which has an estimated cost of $17.3 million. In 2023, a slip-fill project has a projected cost of $16.1 million. Another project at Pelican Island in 2023 has a cost estimate of $21.2 million, and an auto processing berth project has a price tag of $30 million.
Ports Rebounding From Pandemic Plan Major Infrastructure Investments
Ports throughout the country have seen a surge in imports over the last several years, and many of them – undaunted by the pandemic – are launching projects that require private-sector partners. These upcoming contracting opportunities show the possibilities for infrastructure construction companies.
Numerous infrastructure projects expected in early 2021
As public officials begin to look at 2021, many are preparing to launch large infrastructure projects. Several of these efforts may be delivered through public-private partnerships (P3s). Most infrastructure-related projects are complex, diverse, critical in nature, and costly. Here are a few worthy of note.
Feasibility studies are early indicators of upcoming government projects
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is conducting an engineering and environmental study related to roadway improvements on a 38-mile section of US 180 between the communities of Bayard and Deming. This study has been underway for several months, and recommendations are expected early in 2021. The study is exploring various options for roadway improvement.
