Week of October 2, 2023
U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $61 Billion in Highway and Bridge Funding for Fiscal Year 2024
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration has allocated $61 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for 2024 to support the development of roads and bridges.
The Federal-Aid Highway program will receive $54.6 billion in funding next year with California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas receiving the highest amounts.
The Bridge Formula Program will receive $5.3 billion in funding. The states receiving the most funding for bridge replacement and repair are California, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New Jersey.
States including Alabama, West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, and others will receive additional funding for highway and road infrastructure through the Appalachian Development Highway System Program.
Insurance Companies Explore the Need for Solutions to the Risks of Generative Artificial Intelligence
Insurance companies are exploring opportunities in the generative artificial intelligence space by offering financial protection against AI models that fail, similar to cybersecurity insurance.
Corporate technology leaders see potential in these policies to address risk-management concerns from board members, CEOs, and legal departments, especially considering the various risks associated with generative AI, such as cybersecurity issues, copyright infringement, biased output, and misinformation.
Major carriers, including Munich Re and Armilla Assurance, have already launched AI-related insurance products, evaluating risks based on factors like training data, model accuracy, and intellectual property infringement risks.
While insurance can provide a safety net, businesses are encouraged to implement guardrails, security tools, and technologies to proactively manage AI risks, as insurance is considered the last line of defense in case of a technological problem.
October 2, 2023
IMEG Corp. (IMEG), a Pennsylvania-based engineering and design consulting company, has acquired Giovanetti Shulman Associates Consulting Engineers (GSA), a Pennsylvania-based mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and low-voltage engineering firm. The acquisition enhances IMEG’s existing services in the Philadelphia region and national gaming portfolio. IMEG President and CEO Paul VanDuyne said of GSA, “Their passion for the built environment, along with their creative and technical skills, are vital characteristics that match IMEG’s own priorities.”
October 3, 2023
Short Elliot Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH), a Minnesota-based engineering, architectural, environmental and planning company, has acquired RAM USA (RAM), an Ohio-based multidisciplinary firm specializing in the non-destructive detection, investigation and resolution of water intrusions in multifamily, commercial, industrial and institutional roofs and pavement. The acquisition will expand SEH’s suite of patented technologies and expand their overall planning, engineering and architectural capabilities. RAM CEO Jeff Cacioppo stated, “SEH’s legacy of excellence is indisputable. Our clients and staff will reap immediate benefits from this merger…we’re better equipped than ever to tackle our clients’ most pressing challenges.”
October 3, 2023
Atwell, LLC, (Atwell), a Michigan-based full-service consulting, engineering, and construction services firm, has acquired Summit Engineering Group, Inc. (Summit), a Utah-based civil engineering and land surveying firm. The acquisition will expand Atwell’s geographic footprint, service offerings and capabilities. Brian Balls, Principal at Summit, said of the transaction, “Atwell and Summit place a priority on getting it right the first time, which makes our services and company cultures an ideal fit…both companies have strong reputations for expertise, experience and responsiveness to their clients’ needs. The breadth of Atwell’s services will expand into Utah, providing greater opportunity for our clients.”
October 4, 2023
Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc. (HGA), a Minnesota-based interdisciplinary design firm, has acquired Brick-Inc (brick.), a California-based architecture firm. The acquisition will expand HGA’s presence in the Bay Area, including San Francisco and San Jose, and their overall California presence with teams in Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego. HGA CEO, Tim Carl, stated, “We’ve long been seeking the right partner in the Bay Area to grow HGA’s depth and capacity to undertake an aspirational mix of project types in Northern California, and we are excited to have found that and more in brick."
October 5, 2023
Schnabel Engineering, Inc. (Schnabel), a Virginia-based construction engineering company, has acquired JCK Underground, Inc. (JCK), a Massachusetts-based provider of tunnel engineering services. The acquisition will expand both firms’ depth of resources and capabilities. Jennifer Jordan, President and CEO of JCK, said of the transaction, “This merger creates a large and formidable team of tunneling experts that is backed by Schnabel’s legacy of engineering excellence…we are truly excited about the depth and agility this combination offers to the tunneling industry.”
Salas O'Brien is taking a leadership role in the Collaborative for High Performance Schools' (CHPS) Minor Renovations Program. They've joined as a Visionary-level sponsor, actively shaping the program's direction alongside government partner, Sourcewell. The initiative, launched in August 2023, aims to assist schools nationwide with critical yet smaller-scale renovation projects, ensuring students have access to healthy learning environments. Salas O'Brien's commitment underscores their dedication to enhancing K-12 education and contributing to positive, lasting changes in schools across the country.
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