INDUSTRY NEWS

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TEXAS

$138 Billion Transportation Program Approved

The Texas Transportation Commission approved the state's 2027 Unified Transportation Program, establishing approximately $95 billion in transportation investments over the next 10 years. When combined with project development and routine maintenance, there will be an estimated $138 billion in transportation investment across the state.

The program extends beyond highways to include public transportation, maritime, aviation, rail, freight, international trade and bicycle and pedestrian connectivity, while also increasing investment in rural corridors and major economic hubs.

Texas Approves More Than $228 Million for Water Infrastructure in Two Meetings

The Texas Water Development Board approved nearly $105 million for water, wastewater and flood projects on August 6, followed by another $123.4 million on September 10.

The August awards included $60 million for Amarillo wastewater improvements and $37.6 million for Parker County water-system improvements, along with funding for drainage, wastewater and other projects. September's approvals included $60 million for Denton wastewater improvements and nearly $50 million for water-system improvements in Granbury.

FLORIDA

Florida Secures $456 Million for Rail-Crossing Improvements

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) secured a $356 million Federal Railroad Administration grant that, combined with $100 million in state funding, will support improvements at more than 900 passenger-rail crossings throughout Florida.

The program will deploy new safety features and design elements at crossings throughout the state.

Resilient Florida Moves Another Round of Projects Toward Funding

The 2026 Resilient Florida application period for implementation projects closed September 1. Eligible local governments submitted infrastructure projects addressing flooding and sea-level-rise risks identified through vulnerability assessments.

Projects selected through this cycle are slated for FY2027-28 funding through Florida's statewide resilience program.

OHIO

OpenAI Joins Massive Southern Ohio AI Infrastructure Project

OpenAI announced an agreement to secure approximately eight gigawatts of IT capacity at the PORTS-Pike Technology Campus in Pike County in partnership with SB Energy and NVIDIA.

The project is expected to create approximately 35,000 construction jobs during a six-year buildout through 2032 and 2,500 long-term operating jobs. OpenAI also says it will pay its project-specific energy and infrastructure costs and use water responsibly.

Ohio Invests $8.8 Million in Safe Routes to School

Ohio announced $8.8 million for 17 Safe Routes to School projects across 14 counties. Projects include sidewalks, crosswalks, bicycle facilities, traffic-calming improvements, right-of-way acquisition, design and construction.

INDIANA

$14.2 Million Awarded for Rural Indiana Infrastructure

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) awarded more than $14.2 million in Community Development Block Grant funding to 19 rural communities.

Much of the funding targets drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. Projects include storm sewer replacements, water-main improvements, wastewater-system rehabilitation, water storage and monitoring upgrades and other municipal infrastructure.

Community Crossings Opens Under New Funding Rules

Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) opened its FY2027 Community Crossings Matching Grant call on September 1. Recent legislative changes cap the overall program at $100 million annually and reduce the maximum annual award for an individual local government from $1.5 million to $1 million. Smaller communities qualify for an 80/20 state-local match.

INDOT is also emphasizing solid estimates and shovel-ready projects, with successful recipients given three months to award projects to contractors.