America’s airports are some of the country’s most powerful economic engines. They contribute more than $14 trillion in economic activity annually and support approximately 11.5 million jobs.

Congress, after years of underfunding airport infrastructure projects, recently allocated billions of dollars for upgrades and modernization initiatives. State legislators approved millions more for airport projects, and numerous local governmental entities passed bonds to address critical airport needs. Now that funding is available, an abundance of upcoming opportunities will soon be announced. A few examples follow.

The San Antonio International Airport plans to build a third terminal for an estimated $2.5 billion. The concept design outlines how traffic growth will be managed over the next several years. Immediate projects will include construction of the terminal that will feature up to 17 additional gates, and an extension of the airport’s existing runway. Work will include construction of a ground transportation center, a new parking garage, and terminal road realignments.

California – The California High-Speed Rail Authority released a Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the approximately 43-mile San Francisco to San Jose project section in Northern California.

If approved by the authority’s board of directors in August, this estimated $5.3 billion project section will move a step closer to being “shovel ready” for when preconstruction and construction funding becomes available.

Under both high-speed rail project build alternatives to be considered by the board, an interim rail station is planned at 4th and King streets in San Francisco – until the connection to Salesforce Transit Center is made – along with a station at Millbrae that offers a direct rapid transit connection to San Francisco International Airport.

Both Caltrain stations would undergo alterations to accommodate high-speed trains, including modifications to existing tracks and platforms.

Each alternative includes constructing a light maintenance facility, straightening tracks to improve travel times, and installing rail corridor safety improvements.

The preferred alternative for board consideration, identified in the Final EIR as the portion of Alternative A to Scott Boulevard in Santa Clara, includes an East Brisbane Light Maintenance Facility and excludes the additional passing tracks proposed in the other build alternative studied in Alternative B.

Montana – Sections of Yellowstone National Park are starting to reopen this week after record levels of flooding led to rockslides and mudslides that washed out roads and bridges, but it could take years and billions of dollars for the park to recover.

On June 19, the National Park Service (NPS) director and Yellowstone National Park superintendent surveyed the damages and reported that $50 million in emergency funding will kickstart recovery efforts.

Last week, historic flooding led the park to close all entrances and suspend visitation at the height of its peak tourist season and 150th anniversary celebrations.

Park officials are set to open the South Loop on June 22 and will expedite plans to reopen 80 percent of Yellowstone earlier than expected.

The initial $50 million will be used to restore temporary access to Gardiner and Cooke City, Montana and other additional sites. Plans are being finalized for improving the Old Gardiner Road for temporary access between Yellowstone and Gardiner, Montana.

In partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, road construction crews and materials that were already in the park for a previously scheduled road project to repair 22 miles of the Grand Loop Road between Old Faithful and West Thumb Geyser Basin will be diverted to the Old Gardiner Road project.

The NPS anticipates the Old Gardiner Road will be substantially improved over the upcoming months, ensuring that essential emergency services, food, supplies, and other administrative needs will be available throughout the winter months. As work proceeds through the summer, the NPS will look for opportunities to restore limited visitor access at the park’s North Entrance.

Pennsylvania – The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) includes $1.5 billion for transportation projects. Approximately $300 million of the budget will go to roads and bridges in the region, with $100 million earmarked for bridges. 

The TIP plans for projects starting in 2023 through 2026 and is responsible for allocating project funds to 20 Southwestern Pennsylvania counties surrounding Pittsburgh. 

According to commission officials, Allegheny County has more than 130 projects and will receive around $96 million in TIP funding. The TIP also is allocating $12.7 million to restore the Tarentum Bridge in Allegheny County. 

Other projects include preserving the New Kensington Bridge for $17 million and Route 30 improvements for $40 million. The Laurel Valley Transportation Project will receive $40 million, and Interstate 70 will benefit from a $200 million investment. Westmoreland County will get $50 million for bridge repairs, including the West Newton Bridge and the Salina Bridge. 

The city of Pittsburgh will receive nearly $41 million in funds for public transit and bike and pedestrian infrastructure. The increase in funding for Pittsburgh-area transportation stems from the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

Utah – The Department of Health and Human Services of Utah is gathering feedback on ways to share information among multiple providers of health and human services who can coordinate care in order to improve health and social outcomes.

Through a request for information (RFI), the state aims to improve coordination of care, a priority of the governor’s “One Utah Roadmap.” Answers to these questions will help inform the design of a Community Information Exchange (CIE) pilot project.

The One Utah Roadmap Community Information Exchange Subcommittee has developed a strategic framework for a pilot implementation of CIE capabilities among health, human, and social service providers serving Utah residents.

RFI submissions are due by 3 p.m. MDT August 12.

Indiana city extends deadline for sports campus P3 solicitation

Indiana – The city of Westfield’s Redevelopment Commission extended its deadline to July 25 for companies interested in purchasing the Grand Park Sports Campus or forming a public-private partnership (P3) to operate the facility.

In a request for proposals (RFP), the commission solicits businesses to take over the 400-acre sports campus which includes 31 soccer fields, 26 baseball diamonds, two administration buildings, seven concession stands, and a 378,000-square-foot multi-use event center.

The campus also features the 88,000-square-foot Pacers Athletic Center for basketball and volleyball, the Pro-X Athlete Development Center, a new Olympic-size natatorium, an under-construction 35,000-square-foot gymnastics training center, and more than 10 miles of pedestrian/bicycle trails.

Westfield held an online bidders conference on March 18 with an original deadline of June 22 to submit responses to the RFP. The extension will give appraisers more time to complete their assessments of the facility that opened in 2014.

Matthew D. Ubben joins the Strategic Partnerships consulting team as a public affairs professional. He brings unique insight gained from more than 30 years of experience in working for state government, associations, and corporations.

In Florida, Matthew served in numerous executive roles at the state level of government. He held the position of executive director of the Florida Transportation Commission, director of legislative and cabinet affairs at the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and later as executive director of the Florida Commission on Veterans’ Affairs. Matthew also served as public affairs director of the Florida Transportation Commission, director of external affairs at the Department of Management Services Division of State Group Insurance, and deputy communications director at the Florida Department of Education.

Matthew’s nonprofit advocacy in Florida included serving as president of Floridians for Better Transportation, executive director of the Florida Chapter of Consumer Energy Alliance, and vice president of the Florida Trucking Association. He also served as chief development officer and director of public policy at Volunteers of America – Florida.

Prior to his arrival in Tallahassee in 1997, Matthew spent more than a decade in public affairs positions in Washington, D.C. He worked on Congressional issues related to technology, health care, and industry.

Matthew received a Bachelor of Arts in political science, with a minor in international relations, from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Caroline Judy has over 24 years of experience leading enterprise-wide innovation and change initiatives within county government. The Strategic Partnerships Team welcomes her to the Consulting Division.

Most recently, Caroline served as the director of the county of Sonoma’s General Services Department. In that position, she was responsible for supervising 118 employees, a $45 million annual operating budget, and a $69 million capital budget.

Previously, Caroline served as acting director of the General Service Agency of Alameda County and the manager of intragovernmental support services of Santa Clara County. She also held the position of chief of staff for a county supervisor in Santa Clara. In that role, she was responsible for policy as well.

Before entering the public sector, Caroline worked as a software product coordinator and manufacturing systems engineer. She holds a master’s degree in political science from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Science in economics from Reed College.

Louisiana – The U.S. Corps of Engineers has been given an additional 16 months and $1.77 million more to further refine the St. Tammany Parish Feasibility Study. The three-year study initially concluded that it would cost $4 billion to address chronic flooding across St. Tammany Parish.

The Tentatively Selected Plan (TSP), released in June 2021, recommended building approximately 14 miles of levees and 2 miles of floodwalls in Slidell, clearing Bayou Passat. Channel improvements in Mile Branch were also recommended, as well as elevations and floodproofing for about 8,500 structures in the parish.

The study aims to develop alternatives to reduce the flood damage caused by hurricanes and rainfall in the parish. Major communities within the study area include Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, Abita Springs, Pearl River, and Madisonville. Hurricane Katrina caused $1.4 billion in damages and led to significant disruptions and economic impacts to the area. The study coincides with several other studies throughout the state focused on mitigating flood damage.

Iowa – Plans at Iowa State University to renew or replace 2.3 million square feet of buildings on its Ames Campus encompass 700,000 square feet of new construction on more than 40 buildings over the next 30 years.

Most of the new square footage will come from already planned projects, such as the $54 million Therkildsen Industrial Engineering Building, which will provide new space for teaching and research labs, classrooms, and offices.

Designs for the building included a four-level structure and dining space on the lower floors. Construction on the 77,000-square-foot building will conclude in fall 2024. Funding for this project will come from university funds and private giving.

The university will also improve the parking next to Jack Trice Stadium for $25 million. This project will renovate and expand about 40 acres between Iowa State Center and Jack Trice Stadium, adding new lighting and installing underground infrastructure. This would include new water, power, gas, phone, storm sewer, and sanitary lines.

Another project in this 30-year plan include $25 million in improved parking for the Iowa State Center and for daily commuters.

North Carolina – Multifamily residential, live-work units, or mixed-use development are among the desired components the city of Abermarle envisions for the reuse of a former post office and police department headquarters.

The city recently extended the deadline for its request for proposals (RFP) to 5 p.m. EDT August 1 to gather submissions from developers interested in the adaptive reuse project at 203 N. 2nd St. on city-owned land.

Abermarle officials highly recommend scheduling a pre-submission meeting with city staff and a tour of the building that provides an opportunity to enhance the downtown environment and reinforce the character of the city’s historic commercial district.

The site includes approximately 3,900 square feet per floor for a total of approximately 7,800 square feet. The property encompasses approximately 0.28 acres in a prime location on the corner N. 2nd St. and W North St.

In combination with the rules and regulations found in the city of Albemarle’s Historic District design guidelines, the city will be able to retain the historic charm and character of the downtown while actively recruiting new businesses and supporting the existing businesses already there.

As a historic structure in the Downtown Albemarle Historic District, reuse of the property may qualify for federal, state, and local historic tax credits and redevelopment incentives.

South Dakota – Consultants will start working with the Rapid City Regional Airport staff to develop preliminary designs for a six-year plan to expand the airport’s terminal for an estimated $140 million to $160 million.

The airport’s 2022 Master Plan envisions a terminal extension with 10 total gates and 11 aircraft parking positions, but rising passenger counts are prompting consultants to recommend a design that would feature 12 total gates with 13 aircraft parking positions.

Other expansion features include additional hold-room and concessions space, a new arrivals corridor with space for a third security screening lane, a consolidated in-line baggage screening area, new ticket counters, and a T-shaped baggage claim device.

In addition to the terminal expansion, construction of an 8,700-foot-long by 150-foot-wide runway and a possible hotel could be on the horizon, as outlined in the airport’s 2022 master plan.

The airport selected a preferred alternative for a hotel on its property after a development group contacted the airport looking to build on a site that would preserve the view of the Black Hills.

Washington, D.C. – Continuing its commitment to bridging the “Homework Gap” that students without access to broadband at home suffer, the Federal Communications Commission awarded more than $244 million in Emergency Connectivity Funding (ECF) in the latest round.

Funding from the third filing window will provide support in the upcoming 2022-2023 school year for 259 schools, 24 libraries, and one consortium across the country.

With more than $5.1 billion in funding to date, the program will support 12.7 million students across the U.S. States receiving the largest amount of funding in the third round are New York at $139 million, California at $29.2 million, and Michigan at $15.9 million.

For eligible schools and libraries, the ECF program will cover reasonable costs of laptop and tablet computers; Wi-Fi hotspots; modems; routers; and broadband connectivity purchases for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons.

The funding can be used to support off-campus learning, such as nightly homework, to ensure students across the country have the necessary support to keep up with their education. To date, the program has helped over 12.7 million students, supporting approximately 10,000 schools, 900 libraries, and 100 consortia, and providing over 11 million connected devices and 5 million broadband connections.

Of the $5.1 billion funding commitments approved to date, $4.1 billion is supporting applications from Window 1, $818 million from Window 2; and $244 million from Window 3.

Illinois – The state’s Department of Transportation is investing more than $350 million to modernize and improve interstates 24 and 57 in southern Illinois.

Of the 10 projects to receive funding from the state’s Rebuild Illinois program, two of them are scheduled to be completed in 2022 and the remaining eight will be completed in 2024 through 2028. Once all projects are finished, 29 miles of I-57 will have been widened to three lanes in each direction while 35 miles of I-24 will be resurfaced.

Among the projects are:

Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing a total of $33.2 billion over six years into the state’s aging transportation system.

Georgia – The State Board of Education approved DeKalb County School District’s $50 million renovation plan for Druid Hills High School after furor over the aging school’s hazards led to the firing of the district’s superintendent.

Student videos of unhealthy conditions at the high school captured images of mold, sewage leaks, and failing ceilings before the district submitted its response plan to the state.

State authorization will allow the district to renovate the school, which serves over 1,300 students in grades 9-12. Initially built in 1927 with additions in 1950, 1953, 1961, 1965, and 2010, the high school is about 171,000 square feet.

District personnel can begin the process of procuring and awarding the design services by this fall. The design phase of the project is expected to take approximately a year, with construction anticipated to commence in spring 2024. The construction phase will take one to two years to complete the entire project.

The school will remain open throughout the modernization efforts.

Florida – Collier County commissioners selected Amy Patterson as the new county manager on June 16. Patterson had been serving as acting county manager following the resignation of former County Manager Mark Isackson in May. She previously was the county’s director of capital project planning, impact fees, and program management before her promotion to deputy county manager in May 2021. 

California – Gov. Gavin Newsome appointed Tony Tavares as director of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) where he currently serves as District 7 director. Tavares has held several positions with the department, including District 4 director, chief of the Division of Maintenance, chief of the Division of Right of Way and Land Surveys, and assistant division chief of construction. 

Colorado – The University of Colorado (CU Denver) named Dr. Matthew McCarville as assistant vice chancellor for information technology services and operations. Prior to joining CU Denver, he served as the state of Florida’s chief data officer as well as the University of Florida’s director of enterprise data management. 

Georgia – The city of Clarkston appointed Shawanna Qawiy as its new city manager. She had been serving as interim city manager since September 2021 in addition to her role as the city’s planning and development director. Before joining the city, she was a senior planner in the Long Range Division of DeKalb County. 

Maine – The chancellor of the University of Maine System selected Dr. Jacqueline Edmondson as the new president of the University of Southern Maine, effective July 1. Edmondson has been the chancellor and chief academic officer of Penn State Greater Allegheny. Before that, she was associate vice president and associate dean for undergraduate education at Penn State. 

Utah – The Salt Lake City Department of Airports selected Melyssa Trnavskis as director of airport design and construction management. Trnavskis most recently was the aviation project manager for a Utah engineering firm. Before that, she was director of engineering for the Calgary Airport Authority. 

Mary Scott Nabers, Publisher

Devin Monk, Editor

Government Contracting Pipeline, a publication of Strategic Partnerships, Inc., is a free, weekly newsletter detailing important happenings nationwide and the premier source for federal, state, and local government news and contracting opportunities.