Robert Bishop Named Dean of Texas A&M Engineering

Robert Bishop Named Dean of Texas A&M Engineering

Robert H. Bishop — an Aggie, class of ’79 — as Vice Chancellor and Dean of the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University. Bishop is dean of the College of Engineering at The University of South Florida, where he founded a nonprofit start-up awarded more than $100 million in Department of Defense contracts. Bishop…

Austin Energy’s Power Plant Proposal Opposed by Oversight Board

Austin Energy’s Power Plant Proposal Opposed by Oversight Board

Austin Energy’s proposal to construct a new power plant faced rejection this week from a crucial working group of the city’s Electric Utility Commission. The group cautioned that the project was excessively costly and did not align with the city’s climate objectives. This criticism, although anticipated, further exacerbates the divide between the city-run utility and…

Builders Optimistic Despite Sector Decline

Builders Optimistic Despite Sector Decline

These projects face ongoing challenges due to inflation and workforce shortages, despite increased federal funding Builders and Contractors are experiencing a steady flow of infrastructure projects as federal funding remains available. Nevertheless, the construction industry is facing challenges due to a shortage of workers and high inflation rates. Additionally, spending on transit and fossil fuel…

TxDOT: I-35 Corridor Construction to Continue

TxDOT: I-35 Corridor Construction to Continue

TxDot reports that the construction work on the I-35 corridor connecting San Antonio and Austin seems to be never-ending. According to the head of the Texas Department of Transportation, this is due to the continuous growth in the state, which shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Recently, Texas surpassed a population of 30…

Humble City Council Greenlights $1.7M Budget Adjustment

During a February meeting, the Humble City Council members unanimously approved a budget amendment of $1.7 million. This amendment will allocate funds for various improvements and developments within the city. City Manager Jason Stuebe highlighted the two major items in the budget amendment. Firstly, $320,000 has been re-budgeted for the construction of a new fence…

Walsh Subsidiary Leads $855M JV for DFW Terminal F Concourse

Walsh Subsidiary Leads $855M JV for DFW Terminal F Concourse

Besides Archer Western Construction, the team also comprises Turner, H.J. Russell, Carcon Industries, and Phillips|May. The contract for the construction of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport’s $855 million Terminal F Concourse and Skylink Station project has been awarded to a consortium of major contractors in the country. The team, known as Innovation Next+, will be responsible…

BIG Completes Tiered Tower Cluster in Houston

BIG Completes Tiered Tower Cluster in Houston

BIG, the Danish architecture studio, has recently revealed their latest project in Houston called 1550 on the Green. This remarkable skyscraper, their first in Texas, was developed by Skanska USA and stands tall with 28 stories. Situated across from Discovery Green Park in Downtown Houston, the building is composed of six towers that gracefully curve…

The Small Business Center’s Role in Dallas’ Renovation Projects

The Small Business Center’s Role in Dallas’ Renovation Projects

The Small Business Center in the City of Dallas plays a pivotal role in the city’s ambitious renovation projects, particularly in the revitalization efforts aimed at iconic landmarks like the Dallas Memorial Auditorium and the Black Academy of Arts and Letters. Tasked with overseeing the evaluation criteria for minority and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs), these…

Austin’s Seaholm Area Set for $12.5 Million in Mobility Enhancements

Austin’s Seaholm Area Set for $12.5 Million in Mobility Enhancements

Austin’s Seaholm neighborhood is set to undergo a significant transformation in terms of mobility, as the City Council has approved a $12.5 million package of transportation projects aimed at revitalizing the downtown area. The unanimous vote, which took place on December 14, reflects the city’s commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of a rapidly…

Biden-Harris Admin Upgrades 4,500 Public EV Chargers

Biden-Harris Admin Upgrades 4,500 Public EV Chargers

The Biden-Harris Administration announced it is awarding nearly $150 million to 24 grant recipients in 20 states to make existing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure more reliable. The grants will be used to repair or replace nearly 4,500 existing EV charging ports and in some cases, bring them up to code. These targeted investments complement…

American Airlines Reports $53B Revenue in 2023

American Airlines Reports $53B Revenue in 2023

American Airlines is poised for a robust 2024 following its record-breaking 2023 revenue and achieving the lowest annual flight cancellations in a decade. In its fourth-quarter earnings report, the Fort Worth-based airline disclosed a $53 billion revenue for 2023, marking a significant step toward offsetting pandemic-induced losses as travel rebounds to pre-pandemic levels. The airline…

FHWA Allocates $729M for Disaster Road & Bridge Repairs

FHWA Allocates $729M for Disaster Road & Bridge Repairs

As part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s coordinated approach to help states repair and rebuild roads and bridges, the Federal Highway Administration today announced it is providing $729.4 million to 34 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The funds will be used to support repair needs following natural…

Dallas Land Sales Surge in the Metaverse Craze

Dallas Land Sales Surge in the Metaverse Craze

The convergence of the metaverse and the physical world is becoming increasingly indistinguishable, presenting novel challenges and opportunities. Amid ongoing debates about the legal aspects of cryptocurrencies, a new frontier emerges as anyone with internet access can now acquire digital land and real estate in the metaverse through Next Earth. This Earth-based metaverse mirrors the…

Broadway Chatbot Transforms Construction Communication

Broadway Chatbot Transforms Construction Communication

As extensive road construction endeavors persist throughout San Antonio, the city is employing a chatbot to disseminate information about a specific project. The newly introduced Talkin’ Broadway chatbot allows passersby to engage in a two-way conversation via text message or QR codes along Lower Broadway, offering updates on construction progress, schedules, access to local businesses,…

Harris County’s New Construction Safety Policy

Harris County’s New Construction Safety Policy

A new policy introduced by Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee to improve the safety of workers on Harris County construction projects was unanimously adopted by the Commissioners Court. Thousands of working people are killed on the job every year, and millions more suffer serious injury or illness. This takes an enormous emotional and physical…

Dallas to Receive $21.8M for Roadway Safety

Dallas to Receive $21.8M for Roadway Safety

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced that the City of Dallas would receive $21.8 million for community roadway safety and addressing the preventable crisis of deaths on the road. “We are so thrilled by the announcement of this grant for the City of Dallas and specifically the southern Dallas community – enormous thanks to our Congressional leadership…

Tips for Project Owners with Multiple Projects

Tips for Project Owners with Multiple Projects

When managing multiple construction projects, navigating the building permit process efficiently is crucial for project owners. This blog will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help project owners master the building permit process and ensure timely approvals. Establishing a Streamlined Permitting Workflow Managing multiple projects simultaneously can be overwhelming, but project owners can streamline…

Contractors: 5 Tips for Carrollton Permit Pulling

Contractors: 5 Tips for Carrollton Permit Pulling

For contractors planning construction projects in Carrollton, TX, navigating the city’s permit requirements can be complex. Each city has its unique guidelines and understanding them is crucial for a successful project. Here are five tips to help you get started with pulling permits in Carrollton: Tip 1: Understand when permits are required. The first step…

Sunoco’s $7.3B Acquisition of NuStar Energy: Key Points

Sunoco’s $7.3B Acquisition of NuStar Energy: Key Points

Sunoco LP, based in Dallas, is set to acquire NuStar Energy LP, an oil pipeline and terminal operator, in a substantial $7.3 billion deal. The acquisition aims to diversify Sunoco’s business and secure a crucial segment of its supply chain. By incorporating NuStar’s existing pipelines and terminals for fuel-related products, including oil and ammonia in…

Texas Upstream Oil and Gas Employment Growth

Texas Upstream Oil and Gas Employment Growth

Data recently released by the Texas Workforce Commission indicates a sustained growth trend in upstream oil and gas employment in Texas. In December, the sector added 3,100 jobs, contributing to a substantial increase of 15,300 jobs throughout 2023. The Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) highlighted that since the low point in September 2020, months…