Incoming Senate chairs expected to rein in infrastructure dollars
The next surface transportation reauthorization bill, which is set to begin negotiations as soon as next year, could see significant challenges in light of the Republican’s incoming Senate majority. According to Roll Call, the 2021 infrastructure law, which added $550 billion in funding for roads, bridges and public transit, may face reduced spending in future legislation, particularly with new committee leaders such as Sen. Ted Cruz, who has opposed expanded infrastructure spending.
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Before-and-after photos spark hope for US infrastructure: 'The after pictures are amazing'
Seattle’s transformation of its waterfront area is a striking example of urban renewal, replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct — a noisy, double-decker highway — with a vibrant public space. Since the highway’s demolition in 2019, the area has been revamped to include pedestrian walkways, bike paths, over 500 trees and playgrounds, contributing to a cleaner and more accessible urban environment. According to The Cool Down, local business owners have seen their customer base increase as the area attracts new visitors and changes the dynamics of the local economy.
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Santa Monica’s Safe Streets Project Wins APWA Transportation Award
The Southern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) recently awarded the Safe Streets award for the 17th Street and Michigan Avenue project in Santa Monica — netting the project a B.E.S.T. Project of the Year award in the transportation category. As reported by the Santa Monica Mirror, the project, which spans 17th Street between Wilshire and Pico Boulevards includes a protected bikeway, pedestrian-scale lighting, upgraded ADA-compliant ramps and enhanced crosswalks. Michigan Avenue also received curb extensions and mini traffic circles to further improve traffic flow and safety.
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Vac•Con
Since 1986, Vac•Con^®️, Inc. has manufactured more than 9,000 custom-built, truck-mounted machines to serve public and private environmental markets globally. Located in Green Cove Springs, Fla., we are one of the largest producers of sewer cleaning equipment in North America.
www.vac-con.com

Mueller Water Products
In business for over 160 years, Mueller Water Products has been synonymous with innovation that has helped utilities more accurately measure and regulate the flow of water and gas. The company operates in two business segments: Mueller Co. and Mueller Technologies. Echologics is part of Mueller Technologies and is a developer of water infrastructure diagnostic technologies for water loss management, leak detection and pipe condition assessment.
www.muellerwaterproducts.com

Hobas Pipes
Hobas Pipes are fiberglass reinforced, polymer mortar pipes. These large-diameter pipes are ideally suited for nearly all corrosive piping applications. Hobas pipes may be installed by a variety of installation methods.
hobaspipe.com

Best Management Products
The company’s original product, the SNOUT^® Oil and Debris Separator, has become one of North America’s most popular stormwater quality products, with over 80,000 installations in the USA and Canada. Over time, the company has developed other products that enhance the capability of the SNOUT, including the Bio-Skirt^® oil-reducing boom and the Stainless TrashScreen™ for Full Trash Capture. BMP’s newest product is the Turbo Plate^® which reduces turbulence and increases sediment and T.S.S. capture in a sump structure.
www.bmpinc.com

Researchers testing building codes as New York sets tornado record
Upstate New York’s record-breaking 31 tornadoes this summer highlighted the need for more resilient infrastructure. Researchers at the University at Buffalo are working toward solutions with a win tunnel that can replicate extreme weather events like tornadoes, hurricanes and thunderstorms. UB’s research team, including international Ph.D. students, is focused on how wind impacts cities, using the data to refine building codes and improve disaster resilience. The findings are shared with the American Society of Civil Engineers, aiming to guide future construction practices in cities.
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How climate change is making hurricanes worse for Tampa Bay water systems
Recent hurricanes, including Debby, Helene and Milton, have exposed significant vulnerabilities in Tamp Bay’s water infrastructure, highlighting the region’s struggle to manage the combined impacts of extreme weather and aging systems. As reported by Axios, These storms caused widespread flooding, shutdowns of water treatment plants, and water insecurity due to power outages, damaged pies and storm surges. Overwhelmed sewage systems also resulted in millions of gallons of wastewater being discharged into waterways.
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Colorado’s US 50 Middle Bridge in Gunnison fully reopens
Colorado’s Department of Transportation announced that work on US 50 Middle Bridge in Montrose, Gunnison and Hinsdale Counties is now complete, with trafficking having opened up again on Nov. 13. The bridge had been closed since April 18 due to structural concerns, repairs involving the installation of 250 tons of steel plates and over 25,000 bolts.
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