What’s on the Books for 2024
Billions allocated for infrastructure projects will result in thousands of contracting opportunities for the year
By Mary Scott Nabers
America has stepped into a pivotal era of revitalization, and the nation’s infrastructure landscape is undergoing transformative change. At the forefront are expansive airport upgrades, major port enhancements and innovative toll road developments. The surge in infrastructure renewal, catalyzed by significant federal funding, marks a new chapter in the country’s journey toward modernization and economic resilience.
The most notable of current trends in infrastructure may be the resurgence of air travel post-pandemic. It has set the stage for nationwide airport upgrades. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allocated $1 billion for projects, most of which are yet to launch, in 2023. More funding will be allocated this year, and this will continue through 2026.
High-profile projects include a large-scale redevelopment program at Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah, which the fourth phase is yet to begin. It will include a 300,000-sq.-ft. concourse expansion spanning three levels for $683 million. Austin Bergstrom International Airport in Texas is also undergoing significant changes, particularly in its Barbara Jordan Terminal, with a budget estimated between $200 to $375 million. The project primarily focuses on reconfiguring the terminal layout, bolstering security measures and enhancing Americans with disabilities accessibility.
St. Louis Lambert International Airport in Missouri is embarking on a $331.6 million initiative, which is part of a broader $3 billion improvement plan. This project includes the construction of a new central utility plant, upgrading mechanical and electrical systems and relocating the airfield’s maintenance campus. Tulsa International Airport in Oklahoma is planning a $102 million project to replace its control tower and terminal radar approach control facility. Presque Isle International Airport in Maine is set to replace its passenger terminal for $30 million and Kahului Airport on the island of Maui will spend $62.3 million for a TSA Security Checkpoint Project.
…the federal government still has $492 billion for infrastructure projects, which must be launched for utilization between 2024 and 2026.”
United States ports should also not be overlooked. Congress has allocated $17 billion and another $653 million was added from the U.S. Department of Transportation for port projects. Most ports are expanding and embracing cutting-edge technologies—many plans to launch offshore wind energy projects and deepen their waterway channels. Ports have been grappling with aging facilities and now must adapt to be able to handle the era of large mega-ships.
The Port of Long Beach in California will expand roads and bridges to facilitate smoother cargo movement. In Washington, the Tacoma Husky Terminal is undergoing a reconfiguration to enhance truck circulation, including adding a new container storage yard and installing reefer racks. Texas’s Galveston Wharves Port will overhaul a berth and expand its area at the West Port Cargo Complex. Arkansas is developing the new River Valley Slackwater Harbor to accommodate barges and equip the facilities for large mobile cranes for unloading purposes.
Planning for new toll road projects is common in almost every state. In 2020 alone, tolled roadway fees contributed an impressive $22 billion for roadway repairs, which made up approximately 11% of the total funds dedicated to roadway repair in the U.S.
Several projects are noteworthy. The federal Interstate Bridge Replacement Program will support a $6 billion initiative between Oregon and Washington to replace the I-5 Interstate Bridge and add tolling. In Florida, a $354 million project is underway to widen I-275 and add tolled express lanes. California’s Highway 37 will launch a $430 million project to widen a section or roadway and introduce a toll system.
Utah’s $956 million project involves the Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons and includes a mountain gondola lift system, road widening and the implementation of tolling. In Texas, the Sam Houston Tollway and Texas 225 Interchange will undergo a $414 million improvement project to enhance traffic flow and create direct connectors between the two roadways.
Funding for large projects such as these is historic. However, it will not last, so public officials need to aggressively launch critical infrastructure projects. Staggering as it is, however, the federal government still has $492 billion for infrastructure projects, which must be launched for utilization between 2024 and 2026. These projects will create an extremely high demand for industry services of all types – construction, engineering, professional design work, technology, landscaping, equipment and more. These are unique times in America, and infrastructure upgrades will keep the country’s global competitiveness vibrant for years to come.
Mary Scott Nabers is CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc and the author of Inside the Infrastructure Revolution – A Roadmap for Rebuilding America.
