Transportation Market Recap, July 2024

The July 2024 Transportation Market Recap covers some of the most interesting and useful transit industry news from the previous month. It contains updates on industry drivers, notable projects, and recent mergers and acquisitions, as well as some interesting reads and upcoming meetings and conferences.

Industry Drivers to Watch in July 2024

Our data team tracks new and updated industry drivers. Here are some recent drivers we have been following this month:

US House Appropriations Bill Would Slash DOT Grants by $2B in FY2025

• Status: Effective
• Organization: U.S. House

On July 10, 2024, the House Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act with a vote of 31 to 26. The bill proposes a $7 billion reduction from the previous fiscal year, affecting various programs, including Amtrak and transit grants. Specifically, it cuts funding for Amtrak and some transit grants while maintaining support for core safety and infrastructure needs. The bill also aims to balance fiscal responsibility with investments in critical transportation and housing projects. Key focus areas include improving transportation safety and supporting vulnerable populations through housing assistance. The bill reflects a commitment to both budgetary discipline and strategic investments in infrastructure.

Which Capital Improvement Programs Grew the Most?

Our data team tracks major developments across the sector, which we call drivers. Here are some of the most important drivers from last month.

State of Kansas: Planned Capital Expenditure Increased by 42%

In the CIP covering the 2025 fiscal year, the State of Kansas detailed plans to spend $2.7 billion on capital projects, an increase of 42% from $1.9 billion in its 2024 CIP. The current CIP has 361 line items, compared to 342 line items in the prior CIP.

State and Regents spending rises: major increases for new projects. Planned spending in the State category increased by 877%, driven by funding for new projects and programs, such as the Department of Corrections - Hutchinson Correctional Facility Replacement, valued at $378 million. The Regents category also increased by 135% for the same reason.

Kansas allocates over $100 million to transportation construction operations. Kansas has one notable line item valued at over $100 million and four at over $25 million. The largest line item is the Kansas Department of Transportation - Construction Operations, worth $108 million, under the State Highway category. Other notable line items:

• Kansas Department of Transportation - Design Contracts — worth $81 million, under the State Highway category.
• Wichita State University - Health Science Education Center — worth $54 million, under the Regents category.
• University of Kansas - Oliver Hall Renovation — worth $50 million, under the Regents category.
• Wichita State University - NIAR Tech & Innovation Building — worth $28 million, under the Regents category.

See the State of Kansas CIP.

City of Rocklin, California: Planned Capital Spending Increased by 7%

In the CIP covering the 2025-2029 fiscal years, Rocklin detailed plans to spend $79 million on capital projects, an increase of 7% from $73 million in its 2024-2028 CIP. The current CIP has 33 line items, compared to 43 line items in the prior CIP.

Increase for a new business area. Most business areas experienced decreases due to ongoing projects nearing completion. Despite these decreases, there is a 7% increase in total planned spending, driven by funding for a new business area, the Improvement Programs, valued at $18 million.

Rocklin invests over $50 million in roadway upgrades. Rocklin has one notable line item valued at over $25 million and one at $10 million, both belonging to the Roadway Improvement category. The largest project is the Rocklin Road / I-80 Interchange Improvements, valued at $38 million. This project includes designing and constructing roadway and pedestrian improvements such as a diverging diamond interchange (DDI), a pedestrian overcrossing of I-80, and other safety enhancements to alleviate traffic congestion and improve pedestrian connectivity in Rocklin. An additional $10 million is allocated for the Monument Springs Drive Roadway and Bridge Improvements, aimed at closing a roadway gap by constructing new roadway, curb, gutter, sidewalk, and a bridge over Secret Ravine. This will connect to existing roads at the intersections of Hidden Glen Drive and Greenbrae Road.

See the City of Rocklin, California CIP.

City of Bellingham Public Works Department, Washington: Planned Capital Expenditure Increased by 15%

In the CIP covering the 2025-2030 fiscal years, Bellingham Public Works Department detailed plans to spend $168 million on capital projects, an increase of 15% from $146 million in its 2024-2029 CIP. The current CIP has 24 line items, compared to 17 line items in the prior CIP.

City increases planned spending by 15%, funds 7 new projects. Planned spending in the recent period increased by 15% with funding for 7 new projects. The ongoing James Street Multimodal Safety Improvements; Segments 1, 2 (Orchard - McLeod & McLeod - Telegraph) also increased from $10 million to $18 million.

Bellingham invests $52 million in infrastructure upgrades. Bellingham’s Public Works Department has allocated funding for three notable projects each valued at over $10 million. The largest project is the reconstruction of the Eldridge Avenue Bridge over Squalicum Creek, budgeted at $22 million. This new bridge will feature one vehicle travel lane in each direction, separated bike lanes, and sidewalks on both sides. An additional $18 million is programmed for the James Street Multimodal Safety Improvements, spanning Orchard St to Telegraph Rd (Segments 1 & 2). Lastly, $12 million has been allocated for the Meridian/Birchwood Multimodal Transportation Improvements, encompassing Phases 1 & 2. These improvements include constructing greenway trails connecting to Cornwall Park, removing fish barriers, enhancing salmon habitat in Squalicum Creek, and converting the traffic signal at Squalicum and Birchwood into a roundabout.

See the City of Bellingham Public Works Department, Washington CIP.

City of Rochester Hills, Michigan: Planned Capital Expenditure Increased by 6%

In the CIP covering the 2025-2030 fiscal years, Rochester Hills detailed plans to spend $257 million on capital projects, an increase of 6% from $242 million in its 2024-2029 CIP. The current CIP has 119 line items, compared to 128 line items in the prior CIP.

Parks and Recreation budget drops by 56% due to projects nearing completion. Planned spending in the Parks and Recreation category decreased by 56% due to fewer projects in the recent CIP. Top projects under this category, such as Spencer Park Redevelopment and Nowicki Park – Development, are nearing completion.

Rochester Hills allocates over $50 million for major street improvements. Rochester Hills has three line items valued at over $10 million, all belonging to the Street Improvements category. The most significant is the Adams Road Widening (Hamlin Road to Walton Boulevard), worth $22 million, including completing existing pathway gaps. Another $21 million is planned for the Rochester Road Rehabilitation (Avon to Clinton River; Paint Creek to Tienken) and $19 million for the Rochester Road Rehabilitation (M-59 to Avon).

See the City of Rochester Hills, Michigan CIP.

What We Are Reading

Here are some recent articles our team has been reading:

• TxDOT asking for feedback on record $104 billion 10-year plan
• Baltimore Red Line project to be light rail
• Miami-Dade County DTPW begins construction on all-electric South Dade Transit Operations Center
• North Carolina Gov. Cooper, USDOT break ground on S-Line Project
• CTA launches Bus Vision Project
• Oklahoma City Council approves 17-mile route for MAPS 4 BRT corridor
• Gateway Development Commission secures full funding to build Hudson River Tunnel, rehabilitate existing North River Tunnel
• Biden-Harris Administration Makes More than $1.1 Billion Available to Strengthen Safety at Rail Crossings and Reduce Blocked Crossings
• FTA awards $1.5 billion in bus grants
• Santa Monica City Council adopts five-year Brighter Blue Big Blue Bus service plan
• KCATA releases inFOCUS Strategic Plan
• Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $2 Billion to Support American Auto Workers, Convert Facilities for Electric Vehicles
• PRT marks milestone in Red Line maintenance project
• INVESTING IN AMERICA: Biden-Harris Administration Announces $5 Billion to Restore, Reconstruct, and Repair Nationally Significant Large Bridges Across the Country
• $607M in US DOT grants available for reconnecting communities
• $900M Memphis bridge moves ahead with IIJA boost
• DOT rolls out $5B in bridge infrastructure grants
• IA: Johnson County officials exploring potential for battery powered trains
• Amtrak releases updated renderings of West Baltimore MARC Station
• San Diego MTS Board approves implementing new Copper Line Trolly Line segment
• SacRT breaks ground on Watt/I-80 Transit Center Improvement Project
• MassDOT Board of Directors approves FY 2025-2029 five-year Capital Investment Plan
• Amtrak begins Susquehanna River Rail Bridge Project in northeast Maryland
• CA: L.A. to get $77 million in federal funds to add electric buses before Olympics, hopes for millions more
• ARCHES, U.S. DOE ink $12.6 billion agreement to build the California Hydrogen Hub
• Inductive charging station construction work begins at IndyGo Carson Transit Center
• California State Transportation Agency, CHSRA renew agreement with FRA
• NJ Transit Board approves order of 36 additional Multilevel III cars, design contract for Union City Bus Garage and Terminal
• MBTA Board greenlights plan from Keolis Commuter Services to introduce electric trains on Fairmount Commuter Rail Line
• Biden-Harris Administration Announces More Than $374 Million in Grants to Improve Airports

What Top U.S. Transportation Firms Are Blogging About

To stay abreast of industry marketing trends, we regularly review blogs of the nation’s top consulting and construction firms. These are some notable customer-focused blogs in July.

HDR Selected to Provide Civil Engineering Services at Charlotte Douglas International Airport

On July 1, 2024, HDR discussed in a blog that it has been chosen to provide civil engineering services for the expansion of Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The project, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, aims to enhance the airport’s infrastructure to accommodate growing passenger traffic. This initiative includes upgrading roadways, parking facilities, and drainage systems to improve overall efficiency. The work is set to commence in 2024, reflecting HDR’s role in supporting the airport’s development efforts to meet future demands.

Ames Constructs Safer Passage for an Arizona Community

On July 3, 2024, Ames Construction announced in a blog that it has completed a project to improve safety for the community of Arizona City, Arizona. The project, which was finalized in 2024, involved constructing a new pedestrian bridge and upgrading nearby roadways. These enhancements aim to provide safer passage for residents and better connectivity within the community. The work was part of a broader effort to address local infrastructure needs and improve overall public safety.

AtkinsRéalis Awarded Construction Engineering and Inspection Services Contract from Texas Department of Transportation

On July 9, 2024, AtkinsRéalis Group Inc. was awarded an $18-million, four-year contract by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to provide Construction Engineering and Inspection (CE&I) services for a major highway project in Waco, Texas. The project involves widening nearly 5.3 kilometers of Interstate 35 (I-35) to eight lanes, reconstructing interchanges, and updating frontage roads to address congestion and future demand. This work marks the first complete rebuild of I-35 since its original construction in the 1960s. AtkinsRéalis, a global professional services firm, will manage construction inspection, material testing, and project documentation in partnership with TxDOT. The upgrade is critical for improving transportation infrastructure and supporting economic growth along the I-35 corridor, which is vital for U.S.-Mexico trade.

Amentum Secures $145 Million Contract for UC-35D Aircraft Fleet Modernization and Maintenance

On July 17, 2024, Amentum announced in a blog that it has secured a $145 million contract to modernize and maintain the U.S. Marine Corps’ UC-35D aircraft fleet. This contract includes life-cycle services such as system modernization, engineering, logistics, and operational support for ten aircraft across multiple locations. The company will employ advanced technologies like Augmented Reality Remote Expert™ and MerlinMX™ predictive analytics to enhance aircraft readiness and mission capabilities. The contract, starting in June 2024, is a hybrid firm-fixed price arrangement with one base year and four optional extensions, managed through the U.S. Navy’s NAVAIR Tactical Airlift Program Office. Amentum emphasizes its commitment to using cutting-edge technology to support critical Marine Corps operations.

Weston Announces Task Order Win for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations under the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville Facility Repair and Renewal II Contract

On July 16, 2024, Weston Solutions, Inc. secured a third task order under the U.S. Army’s FRR II Contract to design and build electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Atlantic Division. This task involves installing 118 charging stations at 11 locations across the U.S. The project supports the U.S. Army Climate Strategy and includes comprehensive services from site assessment to post-installation maintenance. Weston’s team, skilled in managing complex projects across multiple sites, will oversee the entire process. Senior Vice President Matthew Beatty emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting the energy transition and achieving net-zero emissions.

Meeting Planner: Transportation Events in August and September 2024

In this over-digitized age, there is no replacement for face-to-face meetings with your prospects and customers. We track meetings of interest to our customers serving the U.S. transit industry so you won’t miss upcoming meetings and deadlines. Additionally, FirmoGraphs has recently implemented a free-of-charge service for tracking notable infrastructure events.

Early Bird Registration

• Event: SAE COMVEC — Dates: September 10, 2024 - September 12, 2024 — Deadline for Early Registration: August 16, 2024
• Event: IEEE - VTS Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference — Dates: October 7, 2024 - October 10, 2024 — Deadline for Early Registration: August 26, 2024

How FirmoGraphs Can Help

To learn more about how we are helping transportation industry leaders find new opportunities in their market of interest, schedule a market opportunity workshop.