Weekly Briefing: June 13, 2025
- Socially Adept Solutions
- 18 hours ago
- 4 min read
DOT Processes a Third of Delayed Grant Awards, Totaling Almost $10B
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has approved 1,065 infrastructure grants totaling nearly $10B, clearing more than a third of the 3,200-project backlog inherited from the previous administration.
The latest batch includes 529 newly cleared grants worth over $2.9B, covering long-delayed projects such as rail safety in Michigan, port upgrades in Florida and Baltimore, and a major bridge project in North Carolina.
The Department has eliminated requirements related to DEI, greenhouse gas reporting, and social cost of carbon—arguing these changes will reduce costs and speed up project delivery.
The grants span multiple agencies and programs, including airports, highways, rail, transit, and ports.
EPA Moves to Roll Back Power Plant Emissions Rules
Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans on June 11 to reverse greenhouse gas and mercury emissions standards for fossil fuel power plants, including rules set in 2015 and updated in 2023. The repeal would roll back mercury and toxic metal limits to 2012 levels.
Zeldin cited the growing electricity demand from AI data centers and claimed that fossil fuel plants are no longer major global polluters. However, EPA data shows that they had already accounted for 25% of U.S. GHG emissions in 2022.
The EPA estimates that repealing these regulations would save the power sector $19B over 20 years. Industry groups like the American Iron and Steel Institute support the move, citing the need for affordable electricity.
Environmental advocates, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, condemned the rollback as a threat to public health and climate goals. Critics also warned that the lack of scientific and cost-benefit analysis could expose the proposal to legal challenges.
June 4, 2025
Spiezle Architectural Group (Spiezle), a New Jersey-based architectural design firm, acquired Peak Systems Engineering (Peak), a North Carolina-based mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection firm. The acquisition adds Peak’s range of project experience and diverse market sectors to Spiezle. “Bringing our two companies together is an exciting step in our strategic growth and increases the number of office locations to seven along the East Coast,” said Thomas S. Perrino, President and CEO of Spiezle. “This partnership also expands our in-house MEP/FP capabilities for our clients, allowing them a one-stop model for their project needs.”
June 5, 2025
Colliers International (Colliers), a Toronto-based professional services and investment management company, publicized that Englobe Corporation (Englobe), its Montreal-based engineering platform, has completed an agreement to acquire Cambium, a Canada-based multi-service engineering consulting firm. The move expands Englobe’s operational footprint and strengthens its capabilities in Canada's biggest market. Elias Mulamoottil, Co-Chief Investment Officer of Colliers, said, “This transaction represents our fourth follow-on investment in less than a year since we partnered with Englobe to create our Canadian engineering platform. We continue to be laser focused on key strategic priorities including bolstering Englobe’s presence in the Ontario market, where Cambium is an excellent fit.”
June 5, 2025
LJA Engineering (LJA), a Texas-based employee-owned, full-service, and multi-disciplinary engineering and consulting firm, has acquired David Plummer & Associates (DPA), a Florida-based civil engineering firm. This acquisition boosts LJA’s footprint in Florida, positioning the firm for continued growth in a key geographic market while also supporting DPA’s growth with additional resources to enhance and expand its service offerings. James Ross, President and CEO of LJA, commented, “South Florida is a dynamic and growing market. We gain a talented team with deep local knowledge and relationships by joining forces with DPA. This allows us to serve our clients better and pursue larger, more complex projects throughout the region.”
June 6, 2025
Populous, a Missouri-based architecture and design firm, backed by Providence Equity Partners, has acquired Fentress Architects (Fentress), a Colorado-based architecture firm with expertise in aviation and public building projects. This strategic move brings together two well-known architecture firms and combines their expertise, enabling them to expand their service offerings and strengthen their people-centric designs, specifically in aviation, transportation, and convention center projects. Bruce Miller, Global Chair and CEO of Populous, stated, “We are committed to expanding the breadth of our practice. Fentress Architects has long been known for its visionary aviation and public architecture, exceptional design quality, and commitment to innovation. Uniting our aviation team with Fentress to form Fentress Studios, a Populous Company, symbolizes our dedication to design quality.”
June 11, 2025
Grace Design Studios (Grace), a Louisiana-based architecture, engineering, and consulting firm, backed by Bernhard Capital Partners, acquired CRGA Design (CRGA), a Maryland-based architecture, interior design, and planning firm that specializes in healthcare facility design. The acquisition enhances Grace’s healthcare design portfolio and expands its presence in the Mid-Atlantic. Jerry Hebert, Chief Executive Officer of Grace, said, “With a reputation for quality and innovation, CRGA’s leadership in medical planning perfectly aligns with our mission to deliver end-to-end services across high-growth, community-minded sectors. We are pleased to welcome the world-class CRGA team to Grace as we significantly strengthen our healthcare offerings and reach.”
June 11, 2025
WSP Global Inc. (WSP), a Montreal-based professional services firm, acquired Ricardo plc (Ricardo), a UK-based global strategic and engineering consultancy firm. The acquisition demonstrates WSP's plan to expand its footprint in high-growth sectors worldwide. “The proposed acquisition of Ricardo perfectly aligns with WSP’s vision for sustainable, compounding growth and our clear ambitions to expand in advisory, energy transition, water solutions, and the rail sector over the next three years,” noted Alexandre L’Heureux, President and CEO of WSP. “We are poised to enhance our ability to deliver innovative solutions as we combine our global reach and resources with Ricardo’s complementary expertise.”
HDR employees assembled and donated over 900 bikes to 36 public schools through a $324,000 HDR Foundation grant to All Kids Bike. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to teaching every child in the U.S. how to ride a bike as part of their kindergarten PE curriculum. HDR employees are proud to contribute to such a meaningful cause that provides valuable opportunities for children and encourages active, healthy lifestyles. Over the past 3 years, HDR’s efforts have helped this program reach more than 100 elementary schools.
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 Clay Han at chan@efcg.com.