Large-scale utility projects reflect rising compliance and growth demands

Public officials throughout America are advancing critical infrastructure investments related to utilities and the planning documents indicate that projects scheduled to launch soon will shape the reliability, safety, and resilience of essential services for decades to come. From water and wastewater systems to electric generation and distribution assets, communities are confronting aging infrastructure, regulatory pressures, and accelerating growth with bold capital improvement programs. For firms positioned to support planning, engineering, construction, and long-term operations, the pipeline of upcoming work reflects both urgency and opportunity. 

What stands out about the following initiatives is not only their scale, but their strategic importance. Each project addresses a core public service, environmental compliance, or grid reliability need. Together, they signal sustained public-sector commitment to modernization and long-range infrastructure stewardship. 

A $28.5 million wastewater system replacement project will be overseen by officials in Aumsville, Oregon. The project calls for construction of a completely new wastewater treatment plant and targeted collection system upgrades to meet updated ammonia discharge limits tied to federal and state permit requirements. This effort represents a major infrastructure investment for Marion County and will ensure system reliability throughout the region. Notable improvements include reconstruction of approximately 5,350 feet of gravity mainline pipe, capacity increases in sections of the collection system to address wet-weather limitations, and removal of accumulated biosolids from existing lagoons. Together, these improvements will strengthen operational performance, reduce environmental risk, and position the city’s wastewater system for future expansion. The project is currently in the pre-construction and early planning stages, with procurement expected to begin after completion of the final design. Bidding is planned for late 2026, with construction beginning in early 2027. 

A $29 million lead service line replacement project is planned for the city of Minot, North Dakota. The multi-year initiative will include large-scale service line identification and replacement of lead service lines across the city. The project will begin with completion of a full-service line inventory and replacement of lead and contaminated lines throughout the system. Records indicate that more than 8,000 service lines are misclassified or of unknown material. The project also includes investigation, verification, and coordination with private property owners, as many service lines extend onto private property and require access. Additionally, officials are considering modifications to corrosion control treatment to maintain lead levels below federal action thresholds. The project is currently in the early planning and pre-procurement stages. No engineering solicitations have been published to date. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026. 

Local officials in Abilene, Texas, have secured $49 million in funding from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to improve the city’s Northeast Water Treatment Plant. The facility requires major upgrades to continue serving as the primary plant for approximately 170,000 residents. In addition to aging infrastructure, modernization is being driven by the city’s disclosure of elevated levels of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as forever chemicals, with test results exceeding federal safety standards. The project scope includes upgrades to pretreatment and filtration systems, demolition of an offline clear well, construction of a new high-service pump station, and improvements to chemical storage facilities. Additional enhancements include installation of a backup power system, modernization of electrical infrastructure, and preparation of an Asset Management Plan. These improvements are designed to maintain reliability, extend operational lifespan, and ensure compliance with federal regulations. The project is currently in the pre-design phase, and city documentation indicates that solicitations for design and engineering services are expected in fall 2026. Construction solicitations are anticipated in 2027. 

City officials in Springfield, Missouri, have announced the upcoming launch of a comprehensive $280 million power supply project. The initiative is designed to expand generating capacity, improve grid reliability, and support long-term energy planning objectives. The effort will combine flexible thermal generation, battery energy storage, and demand-side management strategies to ensure the utility can meet peak demand while responding to changing load conditions. The largest component of the project is installation of three new natural gas combustion turbines at the generating station. These units will add approximately 150 megawatts of flexible, locally generated power and will operate on natural gas, fuel oil, or hydrogen, allowing fuel flexibility over time. Each turbine will be capable of starting in approximately five minutes, enabling operators to respond quickly to system contingencies. The initiative also includes 36 megawatts of battery energy storage, consisting of a new 5 MW system with up to six hours of discharge capability and a new 31 MW system. Additionally, the utility will expand demand response programs, including smart thermostats and managed electric vehicle charging, while supporting necessary pipeline infrastructure upgrades to supply fuel for turbine operations. The total estimated cost of the program is approximately $280 million. The project is currently in the financing and planning phase, and officials have not announced a firm construction start date. 

A new electric substation is planned in Fort Pierce, Florida, as the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority advances a $40 million capacity expansion project to address projected load growth within its service territory. The project represents a growth-driven infrastructure investment needed to maintain system reliability and prevent overload conditions on existing facilities. The effort calls for full design and construction of a new electric substation capable of redistributing feeder loading and expanding overall system capacity. The facility will support long-term load balancing and improve operational flexibility across the distribution network. The substation’s location has not yet been determined, as design development will provide guidance. Planning documents indicate that continued customer growth in the southwest portion of the service area is expected to drive a significant increase in electrical demand over the next five years. Without additional substation capacity, the existing substation and associated distribution feeders would face increasing load stress, raising the risk of equipment failure and service disruptions. The project is currently in the early planning stage and no delivery solicitations have been published to date. Construction is expected to begin in FY 2028 and continue through FY 2029. 

These types of initiatives underscore a broader reality.  The renewal of public assets, especially critical systems, will offer abundant contracting and collaborative initiatives in the next several years. Infrastructure renewal is not optional. It must happen. For industry leaders, the question is not whether these opportunities will exist for many years because of the backlog of needs and deferred maintenance, but whether or not they will engage early, build relationships, and position their expertise to help public officials who need help immediately.  These types of projects will define the next generation of essential services. 

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