State budgets for FY 2026 share a striking set of priorities. Almost all are channeling major resources into long-term infrastructure strategies, especially transportation networks, water supply systems, broadband expansion, and energy resilience. Already, New York has committed to a record $68.4 billion for its Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s capital program – the largest transit investment in […]
The U.S. Department of Education has proposed patriotic education as its fifth priority among supplemental criteria for discretionary grant funding. The proposal emphasizes civics and history instruction in advance of the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon made the announcement on Constitution Day, calling for teaching that highlights founding principles, […]
The Department of the Interior (DOI) issued Secretary’s Order 3443 earlier this month, establishing the new U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) with implementation planned for Jan. 2026. The announcement fulfills Executive Order 14308, Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response, which directs federal agencies to modernize wildfire management nationwide. The new service will unify the DOI’s […]
Massachusetts has awarded $28.7 million to increase resilience in communities, preparing them to better handle flooding, heat waves, wildfires and other forms of extreme weather. The Massachusetts Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grant Program prioritized underserved, rural and small-town communities this year for awards. Extreme weather has caused damage, impacting property, critical infrastructure and public well-being, […]
Over the past two years, the country has witnessed a surge of tunnel construction projects. The work has not involved band-aid repair to failing pipes or bridges, but it has been massive, strategic investments in tunnel infrastructure nationwide. According to Tunnel Business Magazine, there are roughly 30 large tunnel projects across the country in various […]
The Department of Energy is looking to the public and private sector for input that could help with expanding the electric grid to support large energy users such as data centers, advanced manufacturing facilities and semiconductor fabrication plants. The DOE is issuing a Request for Information to kickstart its new Speed to Power initiative, which […]
After originally abandoning the project, the Cumberland County Commissioners in North Carolina have revived plans to spend $100 million renovating the Crown Coliseum Theater. During the Sept. 11 meeting, county commissioners directed the county manager to create and issue a Request for Qualifications/Proposals (RFQ/P) from contractors interested in the project. The county manager will bring […]