In this section, Informed Infrastructure compiles infographics from trusted sources that reveal insight on infrastructure spending. We also compile some of the top infrastructure stories that shouldn’t be missed. For ongoing news coverage, turn to Informed Infrastructure online (www.informedinfrastructure.com), our Twitter feed (@IInfrastructure) and our weekly e-newsletter.

Water Utilities Face Growing Financial Pressure

America’s water sector continues to face mounting challenges, with aging infrastructure once again ranking as the industry’s top concern, according to the American Water Works Association (AWWA) “2026 State of the Water Industry” report. Utility leaders also cited financing capital improvements, workforce shortages and affordability as growing pressures, reflecting the increasingly difficult balance between replacing decades-old infrastructure while keeping rates manageable for customers.

The report notes that utilities are responding by accelerating asset-management programs, expanding the use of digital technologies and strengthening long-term capital planning. Water reuse, PFAS treatment and resilience planning also remain high priorities as utilities prepare for changing regulations and increasing climate-related risks.

Access the full report at iimag.link/gDZYt.

Final NIST Investigation Identifies Lessons from Champlain Towers Collapse

National Construction Safety Team experts determined that “punching shear failure” at two columns in the garage under the pool deck slab in early June 2021 led to the June 24, 2021, partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South building.

More than four years after the partial collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Fla., the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released its final technical findings, identifying multiple factors that contributed to the failure and recommending broad improvements to building codes, engineering practice and structural inspections.

The recommendations address structural redundancy, waterproofing, inspection requirements, reserve funding and emergency evacuation procedures. NIST’s findings are expected to influence future building standards while providing engineers and building owners with new guidance aimed at improving structural safety and extending the service life of aging buildings.

The full technical findings are available at iimag.link/wFyIc.

National Construction Safety Team experts determined that “punching shear failure” at two columns in the garage under the pool deck slab in early June 2021
led to the June 24, 2021, partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South building.

Revisit Engineer’s Expert Analysis

The August 2021 issue of Informed Infrastructure cover feature summarized an interview with Steven M. Baldridge, P.E., S.E., LEED AP, president of Baldridge & Associates Structural Engineering (BASE), who provided his expert commentary on the Champlain Towers collapse. Read the feature and watch the video interview at iimag.link/tRJMs

Municipal Infrastructure Conditions Remain Uneven Across U.S. Cities

Despite recent federal infrastructure investments, cities across the United States continue to face aging assets, workforce shortages and rising construction costs, according to the National League of Cities’ “2026 Municipal Infrastructure Conditions Report.” Based on a nationwide survey, the report found municipalities are making progress in assessing infrastructure needs, but many communities continue to struggle with long-term funding and maintaining core assets.

The report also highlights the growing challenge of balancing infrastructure investment with day-to-day municipal services as federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act begins to wind down. Local officials say stable, long-term funding and improved asset-management practices remain essential to maintaining roads, bridges, water systems and other critical infrastructure.

Download the full report at iimag.link/YFdQj.

Water Industry Sees Digital Innovation Accelerating

Digital technologies, AI and advanced treatment processes are reshaping how utilities respond to growing infrastructure challenges, according to the “Black & Veatch 2026 Water Report.” While aging infrastructure, workforce shortages and regulatory requirements remain significant concerns, utilities are increasingly adopting digital tools to improve system reliability, asset management and operational efficiency.

The report also highlights growing interest in PFAS treatment, water reuse and resilience planning as utilities prepare for increasing demand and evolving environmental requirements. Digital transformation has become one of the industry’s most important long-term investment priorities.

Download the full report at iimag.link/dpkQo.

TOP Stories

The following are the top stories from the last few months (in terms of traffic) on the Informed Infrastructure website. This also reflects key coverage areas that are regularly refreshed online and via our weekly
e-newsletter. Simply search key words on Informed Infrastructure online to find the full story.

Buildings

• The Carroll First New Upscale Multifamily Building in Brooklyn’s Carroll Gardens in 15 Years

• Kryton Takes the Floor in Building Sustainable Facilities

• AISC, RCSC Release Design Guide on Structural Joints Using Stainless Steel Bolts

• Northwestern University’s Ryan Field: The NCAA’s Newest and Most Technically Advanced Football Stadium

• Alternative Methods Shape Campus Construction

Transportation

• STV Celebrates World’s First FloatingBridge Light Rail with Sound Transit as Crosslake Connection Opens

• Helsinki’s New Landmark and Finland’s Longest Bridge, Kruunuvuorensilta, Is Now Open to Pedestrians and Cyclists

• Aeroporti DI Roma To Deploy Outsight’s Physical AI Solution at Scale Across Rome Fiumicino Airport

• Siemens and L.K. Comstock Digitalize Signaling Technology on NYC's Iconic Fulton-Liberty Lines

• Trinity Metro Preparing Enhanced Service for World Soccer Tournament 2026

Water

• Water Utility Training Helps Communities Save Water and Create Jobs

• Vertical Turbine Pumps: Advanced Engineering Solutions Ensure Reliable Performance

• New Design Guide for HDPE Water PIPE System in Seismic-Prone Areas

• Tech Challenge Puts AI at Forefront of Water Innovation

• Study to Determine Most-Effective PFAS Treatments for High-Risk Homes

Tools and Technology

• Eagleview Launches Complete Exterior, Interactive, Remote-First, 3D Property Intelligence in Ultra-High Fidelity, Now in Eagleview One

• Advanced Navigation Launches Chimera Land: A Laser Velocity Breakthrough in Uncharted Underground Mining

• Trimble Unveils 2026 Tekla Software: Accelerating BIM, Engineering and Construction Productivity Through Streamlined Workflows and AI

• New Technology Development to Bring Pig-Tracking into 21st Century

• Maxon Marks Its Official Entry Into the AEC Market With Its Real-Time Archviz Solution