Weekly Briefing: August 14, 2026
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Week of August 10, 2026
Senate Passes Stopgap Funding Bill That Omits Key Transit and Passenger Rail Funding
The Senate passed a stopgap funding package that would extend federal highway and transit programs beyond their September 30 expiration date through December 11 while continuing most agency operations at fiscal 2026 rates. The measure supports transportation, Army Corps of Engineers civil works, Bureau of Reclamation programs, environmental infrastructure, and military construction.
The package does not carry forward all the advance appropriations provided by the 2021 infrastructure law. Unlike highway programs, which receive contract authority from the Highway Trust Fund, many transit and passenger-rail programs depend on advance appropriations that are set to expire September 30 because the bill does not extend them.
The American Public Transportation Association and 85 coalition partners estimate that the absence of advance appropriations would reduce public transit investment by 20% and passenger-rail investment by 83%.
For AEC firms, a near-term risk is how this reduced funding affects project timing. Agencies may continue work already funded in fiscal 2026 but cannot start projects that lack current-year appropriations, and the coalition has warned that even a temporary reduction increases uncertainty in state and local investment decisions. Firms with transit and passenger-rail practices could see delays in notices to proceed and should plan staffing around continued funding uncertainty.
FAA Awards $870M in Final Round of IIJA Airport Infrastructure Grants
The Federal Aviation Administration will invest $870 million in airport infrastructure improvements across the U.S., distributing 339 grants to airports in 44 states and two territories through its Airport Infrastructure Grants program. The program falls under the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
This round of awards is the fifth and final installment of $2.89 billion in fiscal 2026 funding. The program has provided $14.5 billion since fiscal 2022, including up to $2.39 billion for primary airports and up to $500 million for nonprimary airports in fiscal 2026.
Los Angeles International received the largest award at $289 million for a new terminal access road, followed by $69 million to Denver International, $50 million to Miami International, and $48 million to Chicago O'Hare. Eligible uses span airport planning and development, terminal improvements, baggage system upgrades, runway and taxiway rehabilitation, and roadway work.
The awards come as the IIJA approaches the September 30 expiration of its five-year authorization. Funds already authorized will continue to flow even if Congress does not pass replacement legislation. For AEC firms with aviation practices, this is the closing tranche of a program that has anchored terminal, airside, and landside design work for the past several years, making fiscal 2027 pipeline visibility dependent on whether Congress provides continued funding.
August 6, 2026
BNP Group (BNP), a Connecticut-based air transportation design and engineering firm backed by Godspeed Capital Management, has acquired U.S. Cost Incorporated (USC), a Georgia-based cost management and project controls firm from Schneider Electric S.E.. The addition diversifies BNP’s aviation and supply chain solutions while expanding its reach across key public-sector markets, including government, healthcare, and education. “U.S. Cost’s experience delivering cost management and project controls solutions across aviation and infrastructure markets strengthens BNP’s ability to serve clients with greater precision and depth,” said Damien Breier, CEO of BNP. “We look forward to working closely with Suzanne and the U.S. Cost team to better serve existing clients, deliver new capabilities, and provide even greater value as a full-service partner.”
August 10, 2026
Bernhard Capital Partners (Bernhard), a Louisiana-based infrastructure and services-focused private equity firm, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Bowman Consulting Group (Bowman), a Virginia-based engineering services and program management firm. The all-cash transaction represents an enterprise value of approximately $1.0 billion and will take Bowman private after five years as a Nasdaq-listed company, supporting its continued acquisition-enabled growth. “What stands out about Bowman is its reputation for deep technical expertise, proven ability to efficiently execute complex projects, and the scale and diversity it has built across critical infrastructure markets,” said Mark Spender, Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Bernhard. “Bowman’s services and end markets are well aligned with Bernhard’s areas of expertise and decades-long track record of building and growing businesses serving the nation’s critical infrastructure. As generationally strong investment continues across infrastructure, utility, and industrial markets, we believe Bowman is ideally positioned to capitalize on these trends.”
August 11, 2026
Stantec, a Canada-based sustainable design and engineering firm, has acquired Niche, an Australia-based environmental consultancy, along with its wholly owned subsidiary, Ausecology. The addition improves Stantec’s ability to help clients with critical infrastructure and development projects while protecting and restoring the natural environment. "Niche has built an exceptional reputation for helping clients achieve lasting outcomes for both people and nature," said Gord Johnston, President and CEO of Stantec. "Their talented team strengthens our ability to address some of Australia's most important opportunities and challenges, from advancing the energy transition to delivering resilient infrastructure and protecting biodiversity. Together, we’re creating an environmental practice with the scale, expertise, and purpose to help clients move critical projects forward while leaving a positive impact on communities and the environment."
August 11, 2026
French & Parrello Associates (FPA), a New Jersey-based engineering and consulting firm, has acquired CEC Engineers (CEC), a New Jersey-based structural engineering firm. This acquisition expands FPA's structural engineering capabilities, strengthens its presence across the New York metropolitan market, and positions the combined firm to pursue larger, more complex assignments throughout the region. “CEC is a strong fit for FPA, both technically and culturally,” said Steven A. Tardy, President and CEO of FPA. “Our organizations share a commitment to integrity, collaboration, technical excellence, and client service. We are excited to welcome the CEC team and build on the strengths of both firms.”
August 12, 2026
Dillon Consulting (Dillon), a Canada-based engineering, planning, and environmental consulting firm, has entered into a partnership with David Nairne + Associates (DNA), a Canada-based firm specializing in planning, architecture, civil and structural engineering, and project management. The transaction expands Dillon’s architectural subsidiary, Dillon Architecture, combining DNA’s deep relationships with Indigenous communities and public sector clients with Dillon’s broader service suite to create a connected coast to coast architectural practice. “We are excited to partner with the incredible team at DNA,” said Sean Hanlon, CEO and President of Dillon. “When we looked at DNA, we saw a firm that genuinely shares our passion for nation-building and community improvement projects. We deeply respect the 50-year legacy of trust and loyalty DNA has built, and together we will continue to live our shared mission to elevate value every day for our clients.”
Dillon Consulting spent much of the year supporting Yellow Brick House, which empowers women and children to rebuild their lives after fleeing domestic violence while raising awareness and advocating for change in the community. Families arriving at the organization frequently have nothing more than the clothes they are wearing. From April through July, Dillon Consulting staff worked together to assemble Transitional Housing Kits, Baby Care Kits, Build A Bed Kits, and Cleaning Kits, giving women and young children the essentials and comfort needed to move into new housing. The firm also held multiple yard clean-up days and handled seasonal yard maintenance across Yellow Brick House's campuses, keeping up the grounds where families rebuild their lives. Employees additionally raised upwards of $1,000 for the organization.
The EFCG Weekly Briefing summarizes the week’s key news in the AEC industry, including M&A updates, and micro- and macro-trends, aggregated from industry-focused and global news sources.
To send any additional press releases or news from your firm that you would like us to share please email Fatima Moumen at fmoumen@efcg.com.
