Business
Fiber Broadband Association, NTCA release complete Broadband Infrastructure Playbook 3.0
Playbook 3.0 combines four deep-dive modules that aim to help state broadband offices as they make decisions on key aspects of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and complete their initial proposals for NTIA review before a December 27 deadline.
Underground Infrastructure Awards ’24 finalists announced
The annual Underground Infrastructure Awards (UIA), the most comprehensive and prestigious program to recognize outstanding performance and technology for the entire underground infrastructure industry, has announced the finalists for the 2024 awards.
CASE Construction Equipment welcomes new addition to North American dealer network
CASE Power & Equipment of Pennsylvania will initially service the Pittsburgh, Pa., area through two strategically planned locations in Cranberry Township and Delmont, with plans to expand to Central Pennsylvania.
Wyo-Ben acquires M-I Swaco's bentonite operations
(UI) — Wyo-Ben Inc. recently announced its acquisition of the bentonite operation of M-I Swaco, a division of Schlumberger and renowned global leader in drilling fluid systems and services. This strategic move further solidifies Wyo-Ben's position as a leader in the industry and opens up new avenues for growth and innovation.
InfoWest acquires assets of SunRiver Fiber Network
(UI) — InfoWest Inc., a majority-owned subsidiary of Boston Omaha Corp., has completed the acquisition of all of SunRiver Fiber Network's assets from Cable Systems of Nevada.
Indiana American Water to gain 8,000 water customers with Silver Creek Water acquisition
As one of the fastest growing utilities in the U.S., American Water expects to invest $30 to $34 billion in infrastructure repairs and replacement, system resiliency and regulated acquisitions over the next 10 years.
Elevate your expertise and expand your network – register for the Underground Infrastructure Conference today
Get ready for the most exciting event of the year for underground utility professionals. The 2024 Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC) is where the industry will come together to address the pressing needs and priorities of our aging infrastructure. Join us for this groundbreaking, two-and-a-half day conference from March 19–21 in Oklahoma City, Okla., and take your knowledge and career to new heights!
Asset management: Working with Duke’s ‘like having a crystal ball’
(UI) — When optimizing sewer and wastewater treatment systems, it can be overwhelming to look at more than 100 miles of sewer pipe funneling heavy flow during a rain event and wonder where that excess flow is coming from.
Prysmian secures $955 million deal for one of the largest transmission infrastructure projects in U.S.
Under the terms of the agreement, Prysmian Group will be responsible for the design, manufacture, construction, installation, and commissioning of Clean Path New York’s HVDC (high-voltage direct current) 400 KV single core cable system with XLPE insulation.
Shenandoah Telecommunications Company to acquire Horizon Telecom for $385 million
Horizon’s unique 7,200 route-mile fiber network is the largest and most dense network across its footprint with over 9,000 on-net locations.
Fourth annual NAXSA Colorado Trench Safety Summit breaks record attendance for second year
(UI) — More than 500 construction and safety professionals converged on the Adams County Fairgrounds near Denver on Oct. 4 with one common goal in mind: learn more about trench safety and help prevent tragedy in the workplace.
American Society of Civil Engineers releases first-of-its-kind sustainable infrastructure standard
ASCE/COS 73-23 calls for infrastructure owners to develop infrastructure that achieves environmental benefits and resilience measures while ensuring equity, mobility, inclusion and the preservation of cultural heritages and resources.
JCB to build new factory for underground construction equipment in San Antonio, Texas
The new facility will manufacture machines largely for customers in North America, the world’s biggest market for construction equipment.
San Antonio Water System appoints first Hispanic woman as Chief Operating Officer
San Antonio native Andrea Huizar Beymer will oversee all aspects of operations for the utility.
Aries Industries strengthens U.S. underground infrastructure market reach with new dealership
The addition of Faris Machinery furthers the rapid growth of the Aries Industries dealer network, which has added over 14 dealers in North America, since 2019.
NW Natural Water expands Arizona presence with Rose Valley Water acquisition
With this transaction, NW Natural Water serves more than 164,000 people through approximately 66,000 connections across five states.
NUCA opens state-of-the-art trench rescue training facility in Urbandale, Iowa
(UI) — This state-of-the-art facility is set to play a crucial role in enhancing the safety of industry employees who work in subsurface excavations and help prepare those in the state who are leading the rescue at any accident scene.
Aquarion Water Company completes first full privatization of municipal sewer system in Connecticut
(UI) — Aquarion Water Company has announced that the company has closed on the purchase of the Town of New Hartford's municipal water and wastewater treatment systems. The $8 million acquisition marks Connecticut's first full privatization of a municipal wastewater system.
APM, SiShield partner to enhance sewer pipe and manhole protection
(UI) — APM, a leading sewer protective additive company in the United States, has entered an exclusive partnership with SiShield Technologies to bolster its ConShield products. These products offer enhanced protection against Microbial-Induced Corrosion (MIC) in sewer infrastructure.
Essential Utilities to invest $10 million in Pennsylvania water system with $18 million acquisition
The system consists of 40 miles of main line in Greenville, Hempfield Township and West Salem Township with nearly 3,000 service connections.
Foley Products acquires underground stormwater storage technology patents
(UI) — Foley Products Company LLC and Pre-Con Products have agreed to assign all the patents and trademarks for StormPrism, an underground stormwater storage solution, to Foley in the United States and Canada.
West Virginia American Water completes $27 million acquisition of Jefferson Utilities
(UI) — West Virginia American Water has completed the acquisition of Jefferson Utilities, including the assets of Jefferson Utilities, Inc., Valley Water and Sewer Services, Shenandoah Junction Public Sewer and East Jefferson Sewer Services for $27 million.
New Jersey American Water acquires Somerville sewer system, commits $9.5 million to upgrades
(UI) — New Jersey American Water has completed its acquisition of the Borough of Somerville, N.J.'s wastewater collection system for $7 million and has committed to invest $9.5 million in sewer system improvements in the next ten years.
Schnabel Engineering acquires tunnel expert JCK Underground
(UI) – Schnabel Engineering, a leading provider of tunnel, dam, geotechnical, and infrastructure engineering, has announced its acquisition of JCK Underground, an industry recognized leader in tunnel engineering.
Chesapeake Utilities expands natural gas business with $923 million Florida City Gas acquisition
With the addition of FCG, Chesapeake Utilities' overall natural gas distribution presence in Florida will include an approved regulated rate base of $941 million, serving more than 211,000 customers through nearly 7,000 miles of natural gas distribution company pipeline.
Ditch Witch of Houston acquired by Ditch Witch of South Texas
(UI) — Ditch Witch of South Texas, a portfolio company of Bluestem Equity, LLC., today, announced that it finalized a strategic investment, purchasing Houston based, Ditch Witch of Houston. This strategic move solidifies Bluestem Equity's commitment to expanding its portfolio and enhancing its presence in the construction and infrastructure markets.
Jim Agnew’s vision continues to inspire: Celebrating his enduring legacy at Inrock
Inrock wishes Jim Agnew a hearty congratulations on his HDD Hall of Fame induction. His contributions to the HDD industry are only outmatched by the positive effect he left on everyone he came across.
Business News
Vermeer's 75th anniversary marks a glimpse into the future; Volvo CE to launch a new compact business unit; NAXSA and industry groups formalize alliance with OSHA; Ace Energy Infrastructure sets a record with intersect pipeline installation; and more exciting business updates!
Plastics Pipe Institute launches online course for underground infrastructure professionals
The course is based on requirements of the updated industry standard AWWA C904-22 Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pressure Tube, 1/2 Inch Through 3 Inch for Water Service, the ANSI-approved standard for PEX tubing intended to deliver potable water into homes and buildings.
McElroy awarded prestigious safety award from Oklahoma Safety Council
The Pinnacle of Safety Award is given to companies that achieve the highest levels of excellence in safety and health. Companies are judged on management commitment, safety culture, and safety performance in the areas of safety and health.
- Emergency rehabilitation brings back Baltimore’s Back River outfall interceptor
- DeLa Express moves forward with 690-mile Permian-to-Louisiana pipeline
- Fatal Shawnee trench collapse linked to Oklahoma contractor’s repeated safety violations, OSHA reports
- CIPP, tunneling pioneer Robert “Bob” Affholder passes
- Editor’s log: The road to rehab intensifies
- CIPP, tunneling pioneer Robert “Bob” Affholder passes
- Wisconsin proposes new PFAS drinking water standards to align with federal rules
- Construction worker dies after being found unconscious in trench box
- Washington Watch: Congress stalls on pipeline safety bill as PHMSA nears key rule decisions
- Tennessee pipeline gets initial FERC approval despite environmental concerns