Week of December 4, 2023
EPA Proposes Requirement to Remove Lead Pipes from US Water Systems Within 10 Years
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a rule that would require water systems across the country to replace millions of lead service lines within 10 years.
The rule would accelerate progress toward the Biden administration goal of removing 100% of lead pipes; lead exposure is linked to significant health and developmental problems, especially for children.
The EPA proposal said lines must be replaced within 10 years, regardless of the lead levels in tap or other drinking water samples. Additional time could be allowed “in limited circumstances” for some systems that need complete system-wide line replacements, the proposal said.
The new proposed rule would further strengthen the ways the rule targets lead in drinking water by improving how water systems are tested for lead levels and lowering the threshold that requires additional compliance activities. Water systems would also have to show consistent progress toward replacing lead pipes, with a minimum of 10% of lead pipes replaced each year and minimal exceptions.
US DOT Kicks Off New $1.5B Round of RAISE Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has opened the competition for $1.5 billion in federal funds in its latest round of Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, or RAISE, surface transportation grants.
In its funding-availability notice, which was announced on November 30th, the DOT outlined its goal to fund surface transportation projects “that will have a significant local or regional impact” and meet Biden administration policy priorities, including improved safety, economic impact, equity, and climate and sustainability.
Congress has set a number of restrictions specifying how the DOT can divide RAISE funds, including minimum and maximum limits for capital and planning grants, limits on the allocation of funds to projects in a single state, and allocations to disadvantaged and rural communities.
December 4, 2023
EFCG is pleased to have served as the exclusive financial advisor to Ramboll Limited, the US subsidiary of Rambøll Group A/S (Ramboll), a Denmark-based global professional engineering firm, on the sale of its subsidiary, Facility Data Services, a New York State grandfathered engineering firm, to Trilon Group (Trilon), a Colorado-based national infrastructure consulting firm backed by Alpine Investors. Congratulations to the Ramboll Limited and Trilon Group management team, shareholders, and employees on the successful transaction.
This is the third New York State Grandfathered Engineering Firm transaction that EFCG has led in the past three years.
December 4, 2023
Colliers Engineering & Design (CED), a New Jersey-based engineering, architectural, and design firm, has acquired J.A. Mihalik Architect, LLC (JAM ARCH), a New Jersey-based architectural and design firm. The acquisition of JAM ARCH will help to expand CED's architectural services, particularly within the Texas and Florida markets. Kevin L. Haney, PE, President and CEO of Colliers Engineering & Design, stated, "For 25 years, JAM ARCH has been delivering innovative commercial and retail designs, with a focus on the educational development, safety and welfare of the children and staff within the centers they design. Their experience includes development services, security assessments, and sustainable design implementation for all child care facilities – and we look forward to having the JAM ARCH staff join our team.”
December 5, 2023
HDR, a Nebraska-based design firm specializing in engineering, architecture, environmental, and construction services, has acquired City Point Partners, a Massachusetts-based PM services firm focused on project controls, public outreach, construction services, and owner’s project management. The strategic partnership complements HDR’s collaborative full life cycle approach. “City Point Partners brings a wealth of expertise that will enhance HDR’s core services,” said HDR Chairman and CEO Eric Keen. “Together, we will provide our clients with a team that will improve infrastructure development in the New England region.”
December 6, 2023
Jensen Hughes, a Maryland-based engineering, consulting and technology services firm backed by Gryphon Investors, has acquired Warringtonfire Australia, an Australia-based fire testing and fire safety engineering consulting firm, from Element Materials Technology. This strategic acquisition expands Jensen Hughes' presence in Australia and helps position the company for future expansion across Australia and New Zealand, as well as regionally. "This is a win-win for Jensen Hughes and for our new colleagues coming from Warringtonfire Australia," says Raj Arora, CEO of Jensen Hughes. "Fire safety engineering is integral to our core service mix," he says. "This acquisition significantly enhances our capability in this area and brings a NATA and ISO- accredited Fire Testing Laboratory into our operations."
December 6, 2023
Grace Hebert Curtis Architects (GHC), a Louisiana-based architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firm backed by Bernhard Capital Partners, has acquired BSSW Architects, Inc. (BSSW), a Florida-based architectural firm offering design and consulting services. The acquisition of BSSW will enhance GHC's expertise and position the firm to capitalize on the growing demand for education and hospitality infrastructure.
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