In this section, Informed Infrastructure compiles infographics from trusted sources that reveal insight on infrastructure spending. We also compile some of the top infrastructure stories that shouldn’t be missed. For ongoing news coverage, turn to Informed Infrastructure online (www.informedinfrastructure.com), our Twitter feed (@IInfrastructure) and our weekly e-newsletter.

USDOT Awards Nearly $1B In INFRA Grants Across 18 States

The U.S Department of Transportation (USDOT) plans to award $905 million to 24 projects in 18 states via the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) discretionary grant program.

In addition to prioritizing projects that would improve local economies, create jobs and meet all statutory requirements, the agency considered how those projects would address climate change, environmental justice and racial equity.

Further, USDOT prioritized funding to rural areas to address what it called “historic underinvestment.” As a result, approximately 44 percent of total INFRA funding will go to rural projects, which exceeds the 25 percent minimum share for rural projects required by law.

Large-Scale U.S. Solar Growth to Top Wind for First Time

In 2022, growth in large-scale U.S. solar capacity is projected to exceed that of wind for the first time, according to a report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Solar’s surge comes as the country boosts its dependence on renewable power.

The EIA’s short-term energy outlook estimates that wind and solar capacity will reach 15 percent of U.S. generation by 2022, up from 11 percent in 2020.

The EIA forecasts 17 gigawatts of solar capacity in the electric power sector will be added in 2022, compared with 6 gigawatts for wind. It attributed the slowing growth in wind capacity to the scheduled expiration of the federal production tax credit.

View the full report at bit.ly/3wNRK9B.

TOP Stories

The following are the top stories from the last few months (in terms of traffic) on the Informed Infrastructure website. This also reflects key coverage areas that are regularly refreshed online and via our weekly e-newsletter. Simply search key words on Informed Infrastructure online to find the full story.

Buildings

New, Factory-Built, High-Strength Wood Shearwall from Simpson Strong-Tie Can Outperform Similar Prefabricated Steel Walls

International Code Council Releases New Framework To Address Energy Efficiency Needs Across the Entire Building Industry

Sustainability Efforts Increase Competitiveness of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for Future Meetings

$4M Harmony Preschool Opens In Wantagh, NY at the Time of Great Need For Childcare

Clayco Completes One Hundred Above the Park in St. Louis’ Central West End

Transportation

IDOT Launches All-Electronic Permit System for Work Impacting State Roads

Federal Investment Helped Advance 22,000 Highway Improvement Projects in 2020, New Data Reveals

AASHTO Issues 2021 Benefits Of Transportation Report

Stantec Selected by the Texas Department of Transportation to Design the Expansion of Us 80 in Dallas

Video: The Tunnel

Water

DuPont Awarded Grant from Singapore’s National Water Agency to Increase Sustainability of Desalination for Clean Water

Frost & Sullivan Experts Analyze Regional Tactics for Water and Sanitation for All by 2030

Wastewater and Excreta an Untapped Resource To Solve Environmental Risks

Video: The Digital Capabilities of US Water Utilities SmartMarket Brief

Pfannenberg Highlights Thermal Management and Signaling Solutions for the Water Industry

Tools and Technology

Bentley Systems Brings Infrastructure Digital Twins to NVIDIA Omniverse

Phase One Introduces Next-Generation Aerial Systems: PAS 280 & PAS 150

Introducing 2022 Civil 3D and InfraWorks New Releases

New Version of Trimble Earthworks Grade Control Platform Includes Support for Soil Compactors

HxGN Content Program to Collect New Single-Season Aerial Data of 14 U.S. States This Year