There is an abundance of evidence indicating that large amounts of capital for infrastructure investment have been allocated for rural America in 2026. Upcoming projects on drawing boards currently are being designed to strengthen public services, improve environmental performance, and support long term economic stability. That trend is surprisingly strong in rural America, so companies that sell to government should not overlook the more rural areas in America. From wastewater treatment plant modernizations to public safety and judicial facility upgrades, these types of projects are currently in planning and design phases with investments pointing to a strategic commitment to resilience and economic growth. The following upcoming opportunities are similar to numerous others that will be launched soon.
An estimated $60 million will be invested in a new wastewater treatment plant in rural Sterling, Illinois. The project is being designed to replace the city’s outdated lagoon-based system and meet current environmental standards. The work will modernize critical utility infrastructure and promote long-term growth in the surrounding rural region. When completed, the new facility will provide enhanced water quality and ensure reliable wastewater service for decades to come.
The plant will be constructed on recently acquired property and will be designed to comply with stricter phosphorus discharge regulations. Plans will call for updated treatment technology, improved operational controls, and supporting infrastructure to strengthen overall system resilience. The existing lagoon facility will be repurposed for stormwater management and lift station functions, allowing the city to transition effectively to a more advanced treatment strategy.
The project remains in the early planning and design stages. Construction procurement is expected to begin in late 2027.
In Lake Lure, North Carolina, a $200 million dam replacement project is advancing as part of a broader initiative to modernize deteriorating infrastructure and strengthen long term resilience in this tourism-dependent rural community. Local leaders are moving the project forward in response to safety concerns and evolving dam safety regulations. The objective is to position the new structure as a critical investment in both economic stability and public safety.
The project will improve flood protection, safeguard downstream communities, and support the region’s tourism-based economy. Work will include engineering services, geotechnical stabilization, and hydraulic performance enhancements. Planning efforts encompass environmental coordination, subsurface investigations, and resilience focused design features intended to withstand extreme weather events experienced in the region.
Early design and engineering efforts that began in late 2025 will continue through 2026. Construction procurement is expected to follow completion of the planning and design phase.
City officials in Nevada City, California, have announced a $207 million project to construct a new city courthouse. The goal is to consolidate services into a single modernized facility while improving operational efficiency, enhancing security, and expanding public access to court services.
The 77,000 square foot facility will include six smaller courtrooms, four multipurpose courtrooms, and two large courtrooms designed to accommodate arraignments, traffic matters, and high-profile proceedings. The project also includes dedicated jury assembly space, central holding facilities, access to justice services, family court services, and alternative dispute resolution functions. The layout will incorporate modern security zoning, separate circulation paths for the public, judiciary, and custodial individuals. The updated building systems will also be consistent with current judicial standards. Construction is expected to begin in 2027.
A major expansion is planned at a correctional facility in the rural town of Rush City, Minnesota, with $60 million allocated for the project. Once completed, the expansion will help address shortages within the statewide corrections system. Approximately 28,000 square feet of new programming space will be constructed, and 16,000 square feet of existing interior space will be repurposed.
The project will support expanded educational programming, behavioral health services, substance use disorder treatment, religious services, medical visits, visitation rooms, and court hearing spaces. Staff support areas will also be enlarged. Design is scheduled to begin in early 2027, with procurement anticipated in 2028.
The rural city of Grandview, Washington, is preparing for delivery of a new wastewater treatment plant through a $42 million investment. Rapid population growth has placed significant strain on the existing aging facility, prompting city officials to advance a modernization plan that will maintain compliance with environmental standards and ensure long term reliability.
Project scope includes construction of a new influent pump station, upgrades to aging equipment, installation of new tanks, improvements to filtration systems, and the addition of lined lagoons to manage water flow safely. Electrical and control system upgrades will enhance monitoring capabilities and operational efficiency. Once complete, the modernized facility will provide dependable infrastructure for decades.
City officials have secured state approval for the plan and completed the environmental review phase. The procurement process is scheduled to start soon.
Each of these projects reflects a broader pattern of strategic investments in rural communities where infrastructure improvements serve as catalysts for economic development, environmental stewardship, and public safety. As planning advances and procurement timelines approach, firms positioned to deliver engineering, construction, technology, and support services should monitor these and other local government initiatives closely. The next several years will bring substantial opportunities such as these.
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