Weekly Briefing: August 7, 2026
- 19 hours ago
- 5 min read
Week of August 3, 2026
Amtrak Creates Dedicated Infrastructure Unit to Manage $5B in Annual Capital Investments
Amtrak’s board has advanced a preliminary corporate restructuring framework that would place more than $5 billion in annual capital investments under a dedicated infrastructure management unit.
Under the framework, Amtrak would divide operations into three business units focused on infrastructure, passenger services, and fleet management. Management expects to submit a formal proposal in December, aiming for operations under the new structure to begin in 2027.
Amtrak currently has more than $50 billion in capital projects in planning and development, which is the largest construction portfolio in its history. Some key project milestones include an $87 million contract awarded to Skanska to restore the 1935 Dock Bridge in New Jersey and predevelopment design work for the New York Penn Station transformation.
For AEC firms, this structural shift points to a change in how Amtrak procures and manages engineering and construction services. By establishing a dedicated infrastructure arm, the agency aims to strengthen oversight of large infrastructure projects. Partners will need to align their delivery and reporting capabilities with the agency’s reorganized governance framework.
Texas Pauses New Data Center Development Amid Concerns
Texas paused grid approvals for data centers after Governor Greg Abbott ordered an audit of all data centers in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) interconnection queue. The mandate follows an estimated 474 GW of interconnection requests, which is over five times ERCOT’s record peak electricity demand.
With data centers accounting for roughly 90% of those new power requests, the state is evaluating whether these developments threaten reliability and stability of the electric grid. The audit will closely analyze developers’ water consumption, reliance on public financial assistance, and ability to provide on-site electric generation.
The pause prompted ERCOT to delay its initial transmission review process, potentially delaying a massive pipeline of active projects. This mirrors similar regulatory friction in New York, which paused new data center approvals in July for up to a year while the state creates new development rules.
With the nation’s second-largest data center market now facing potential delays, power-generation and infrastructure investors may need to reassess project viability. AEC firms and technology developers should monitor new requirements, consider on-site generation options, and account for potential schedule impacts as regulatory scrutiny increases.
August 3, 2026
DLR Group, a Nebraska-based global integrated design firm, has acquired McFarlane Architects (McFarlane), a California-based science and technology design firm specializing in the architecture, planning, and interior design of science and technology and advanced manufacturing environments. This acquisition strengthens DLR Group’s science and technology practice and expands its client reach in San Diego, one of the largest life science hubs in the country. “DLR Group is committed to growing an industry-leading science and technology practice and McFarlane elevates our capabilities in California and across the nation,” said Steven McKay, CEO of DLR Group. “McFarlane Architects brings proven science and technology expertise, a deep portfolio of laboratory and research environments, and a commitment to design excellence that mirrors our own.”
August 4, 2026
Colliers Engineering & Design, a New Jersey-based multi-discipline architecture, engineering, and design firm, has acquired the assets of TDI Engineering (TDI), a Texas-based civil and structural engineering firm. This asset acquisition expands Colliers Engineering & Design’s presence in Texas and across the broader U.S. market and reinforces its commitment to providing cutting-edge, multi-discipline engineering, architecture, design, and consulting services to public and private sector clients. “With the addition of the TDI team, we are strengthening and expanding our existing civil and structural engineering service lines, allowing Colliers Engineering & Design to seek broader opportunities in the Texas markets and across the country,” said Kevin L. Haney, President and CEO of Colliers Engineering & Design. “The TDI team has built a strong reputation for quality and client trust, and through our shared focus on people, quality and long-term relationships, we are well positioned for continued growth.”
August 5, 2026
New Mountain Capital (New Mountain), a New York-based investment firm, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Jensen Hughes, a Maryland-based global provider of engineering, consulting, and technology solutions specializing in fire protection engineering and nuclear risk engineering, from Gryphon Investors (Gryphon), a California-based investment firm. This acquisition will support Jensen Hughes' continued growth, global expansion, and development of mission-critical engineering capabilities. “Jensen Hughes is a clear global leader in fire protection engineering, with exceptional professionals who play a meaningful role in shaping the codes and standards that govern the industry,” said Dr. Hisham Mahmoud, Senior Advisor at New Mountain. “Raj and his team have built an outstanding company and culture, and I am honored to play a role in the next phase of Jensen Hughes’ impressive growth journey.”
August 5, 2026
JVeritas Capital (Veritas), a New York-based investment firm focused on companies at the intersection of technology and government, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Trinity Consultants, a Texas-based provider of engineering and consulting services to the natural and built environment, from Oak Hill Capital (Oak Hill), a New York-based middle-market private equity firm that will reinvest and remain a minority shareholder alongside Trinity's management team and employee base. This acquisition will give Veritas a platform serving more than 10,000 clients worldwide across the EHS regulatory compliance, built environment, life sciences, and water and ecology markets. "We have long admired Trinity for delivering outcomes to clients navigating regulatory and engineering complexity in critical operating environments. We believe the Company is at a growth inflection point where we are uniquely positioned to be its next partner," said Daniel Sugar, Partner & Co-Head of Flagship Private Equity at Veritas. "We look forward to working with Paul and the Trinity team to support the execution of its strategy to drive account growth, accelerate investment in technology, and expand capabilities through acquisitions."
August 6, 2026
Veritas Capital (Veritas), a New York-based investment firm focused on companies at the intersection of technology and government, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Saber Power Services (Saber), a Texas-based provider of mission-critical power infrastructure services, from Greenbelt Capital Partners, a Texas-based private equity firm, with key members of Saber's management team retaining a significant minority stake. This acquisition gives Veritas a fully integrated power infrastructure platform serving energy, industrial, utility, and technology customers, with solutions supporting critical electrical infrastructure for 160 million end users in the U.S. and internationally. Daniel Sugar, Partner & Co-Head of Flagship Private Equity at Veritas, commented, "Brian and his team have built a high quality business with deep customer relationships and a proven track record of execution. We look forward to partnering with them to expand Saber's national footprint, broaden its capabilities and accelerate growth organically and through strategic M&A."
Burns & McDonnell hosted around 200 regional elementary school teachers at its Kansas City headquarters for a hands-on STEM workshop focused on bringing real-world engineering challenges into the classroom. Participating teachers completed science and engineering challenges designed to be replicated in their own classrooms, such as building wearable "Apple Toppers" and marble-track "Classroom Coasters." The program provided educators with practical, game-like activities that increase student engagement and encourage creative thinking. By investing directly in educators, Burns & McDonnell hopes these experiences will reach students and inspire the next generation to pursue STEM careers.
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.
