Week of July 1, 2024
FAA Awards $289 Million for Runways and Other Airport Infrastructure
On July 1, 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced $289 million of new funding for upgrading and building new runway, taxiway, and other flight infrastructure projects. This funding was made available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s Airport Infrastructure Grants program.
The newly announced funds will be used on projects spanning 129 airports across 40 states. The largest allotted individual grant totaled $66.7 million for a demolition and site-preparation project for a new taxiway in Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Additionally, the FAA announced the launch of the FY2025 round of IIJA grants for airport terminals. The deadline for next year’s applications has been set for 5:00pm EST on July 31, 2024.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Offshore Wind Lease Sale in Central Atlantic
The Department of the Interior announced on June 28, an auction for an offshore wind lease sale in the Central Atlantic, estimated to generate up to 6.3 gigawatts of clean energy for 2.2 million homes.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will auction this project on August 14, to the 17 qualified firms included in the Final Sale Notice. To protect stakeholder interests, the BOEM included 12.5% bidding credits for firms supporting offshore wind workforce training programs, establishing domestic supply chains, or contributing to fisheries compensatory mitigation funds.
Under the current administration, the Department of the Interior has approved the first eight commercial offshore wind energy projects in federal waters and has announced 12 additional lease sales through 2028.
July 1, 2024
Brightstar Capital Partners (Brightstar), a New York-based middle market private equity firm focused on investing in industrial, manufacturing, and services businesses, has acquired Stratus Team, LLC (Stratus), a Pennsylvania-based provider of engineering, architecture, and consulting services, from Godspeed Capital Management LP. The acquisition aligns with Brightstar's strategy to partner with accomplished management teams and drive growth in fragmented industries. Andrew Weinberg, Founder & CEO of Brightstar, commented on the acquisition, “We are thrilled to welcome Brandon and the Stratus team to Brightstar. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategy to partner with accomplished management teams and work hand-in-hand to fully integrate platforms and drive growth in fragmented industries.”
July 1, 2024
Fuss & O’Neill, a Connecticut-based provider of multidisciplinary engineering solutions, backed by Trilon Group, has acquired Onsite Engineering, a Massachusetts-based firm specializing in water engineering, including drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services. The acquisition enhances Fuss & O’Neill’s water services and supports the firm's strategic growth investments in the water/wastewater market, increasing their staff to more than 400 multidisciplinary professionals across 11 offices throughout the Northeast. Kevin Grigg, CEO of Fuss & O’Neill, stated, “This strategic move aligns perfectly with our growth objectives and commitment to providing top-tier engineering solutions."
July 1, 2024
Trihydro Corporation (Trihydro), a Wyoming-based provider of engineering and environmental services, has acquired the Engineering and Consulting Division of Alloy Group (Alloy), a Pennsylvania-based provider of abatement, demolition, and environmental engineering services. This move expands Trihydro's capabilities in crucial areas like remediation, water treatment, process engineering, mine infrastructure, water resources, and hydrology, and strengthens their presence in key regions such as Montana, Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada. Kurt Tuggle, President and CEO of Trihydro, said, “This acquisition aligns perfectly with our commitment to better serve clients in the mining industry. Alloy’s Engineering and Consulting Division’s proven expertise in key engineering and environmental services will significantly enhance our offerings, especially in critical regions.”
July 2, 2024
RMA Companies (RMA), a California-based provider of environmental consulting, geotechnical engineering, geophysics and subsurface imaging, pavement engineering, quality management, non-destructive testing, construction inspection, and product certification services, backed by OceanSound Partners, has acquired Earth Engineers, a Washington-based firm specializing in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, and special inspection services. The acquisition works directly to support RMA’s strategy to build a national platform for technology-driven testing, inspection, and certification services. Ed Lyon, CEO of RMA, said of the transaction, “Our organizations have aligned business values, including a shared commitment to technical excellence and client service… Our collective expertise in earth and materials sciences is instrumental in ensuring the integrity of critical infrastructure assets and the built environment.
July 3, 2024
IMEG Corp. (IMEG), an Illinois-based national full-service engineering firm, has acquired Hayner/Swanson, Inc. (HSI), a New Hampshire-based civil engineering and land surveying firm. The merger enhances both firms' growth opportunities in the northeastern U.S., blending IMEG’s national engineering portfolio with HSI’s local expertise in civil, survey, and construction support services. Paul VanDuyne, President and CEO of IMEG, stated, “We are extremely pleased to have the talented and experienced staff of HSI join our firm. By blending IMEG’s national, full-service engineering portfolio with HSI’s local civil, survey, and construction support services, we create a strong synergy for future growth in the Northeast.”
July 1, 2024
Pond & Company (Pond), an Atlanta-based provider of engineering, architecture, planning, and construction management services, backed by D.C. Capital Partners, has acquired Trident, a Texas-based corrosion and integrity firm and former subsidiary of Consolidated Asset Management Services (CAMS). This move strengthens Pond's presence in Houston and enhances its capabilities in the pipeline and hazardous materials safety sector. Bob Williams, CEO and President of Pond, stated, “The addition of the Trident team strengthens Pond’s position as the leader in integrity-related asset management, technology, and training, allowing us to provide clients with top-notch expertise and solutions.”
Texas-based architecture design firm, Corgan, in partnership with The Hip-Hop Architecture Camp, introduced underserved youth to the architectural professional practice in a creative summer camp collaboration. The Hip-Hop Architecture Camp, which ran between June 24th and 28th, was founded by architect Michael Ford in 2016 to provide exposure to the design industry that has historically experienced demographic underrepresentation. The camp utilized physical models, digital modeling software, and hip-hop tracks to create an engaging environment for camp goers to learn and present their designs for a building in South Gateway Park, a five-acre bridge park project expected to revitalize the Oak Cliff neighborhood in Dallas. Halima McWilliams, Human Resources Director and Associate Principal at Corgan, commented that “[Corgan’s] partnership with The Hip Hop Architecture Camp aligns with our mission to nurture curiosity about the limitless possibilities within the architecture and design sphere.”