Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on US Infrastructure- Part 6

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on US Infrastructure- Part 6

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world and society in countless number of ways. Fundamentally, people have realized that we all live in a highly interconnected, globalized world where even a small incident has a ripple effect around the globe. Though it is difficult to look at a silver lining from this, there can be lessons learnt from the pandemic which can be applied for the near future. These two years (2020-21) have presented a crucial moment for the future of American infrastructure. In a way, this is a chance for DOTs, planning boards and other civil engineering organizations to implement comprehensive systematic change, examine the deficiencies of the existing infrastructure and look for ways on how to update it.

“Infrastructure investment decisions made now will affect how we respond to challenges such as climate change, building inclusive societies, and delivering strong, sustainable, and balanced growth. This note raises issues for consideration, in support of infrastructure investment through building longer-term resilience to future shocks, risks, and threats, and aligning investment with infrastructure that can be robust but also innovative and adaptable to changing circumstances and complexities” (OECD). 

OECD Logo (Image Credits: OECD)

Facebook Rapid Deployment Data Centre

 Facebook Rapid Deployment Data Centre

This blog has mostly covered public projects, funded by the government. Sometimes, you do not need governmental participation to create infrastructure of a certain kind. Sometimes, even a private company can bring in economic investments into a region. One such project which was announced with great fanfare but little has been heard ever since then is the Facebook Rapid Deployment Data Center in Sweden. 

This data centre would have been considered to be the most efficient data processing centre in the world then. “The Facebook Rapid Deployment Data Center, in the town of Luleå in Sweden, takes a modular approach to design and construction to accelerate the speed of assembly. Paying homage to another great Swedish institution, IKEA, Facebook claims that the centres can be built and deployed twice as fast as comparable facilities. The northern location also takes advantage of the surrounding Arctic temperatures to achieve a 100 percent renewable energy-powered cooling system” (KPMG). The centre also been designed in such a way that the servers draw in more air and are more space-efficient as well.

Though the project was announced in 2014, there has been very little information on the status of it since then. It is said that construction has started on the project. 

A picture of the proposed center from the official Facebook presentation (Image Credits: TheNextWeb)

Indiana Convention Center expansion

Indiana Convention Center expansion

As said before, this blog covers infrastructure projects of every kind, Sometimes, they can even be private, commercial projects which can serve the public community. The Indiana Convention Center is a good example of a centre which has brought in tourists from other states while serving as a congregating point for the locals. But, now the time has come for its expansion.

“The Indianapolis City-County Council will seek support for up to $155 million in bonds for an expansion project related to the Indiana Convention Center…the expansion plan calls for construction of a 50,000-square-foot ballroom across the street from the current convention center. A walkway will be built to connect the new facility to the convention center. Construction will include 93,500 square feet of space for meeting rooms and other uses. City leaders plan for the project to be completed by 2024” (Americaninfrastructuremag).

While there might be questions asked on whether such a project is needed in these COVID-19 times, the leadership might be appreciated for taking such a bold move. This is seen as an investment for the future. 

A picture of the existing convention center (Image Credits: IBJ)

Kissimmee Accelerated Gravity Sewer Assessment and Rehabilitation Project

 Kissimmee Accelerated Gravity Sewer Assessment and Rehabilitation Project

Infrastructure projects are not just major construction and transportation projects. They can also be environmental rehabilitation projects as well. Last year, a 40 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan was granted from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  to the Toho Water Authority in Kissimmee, Florida. This was done to reduce the possibility of emergency failures and find better ways to reduce environmental impacts associated with wastewater collection system as well as update the outdated infrastructure. So, as one can see, this is a project clearly initiated to develop water infrastructure. 

“Construction and operation phases of the project are expected to create 198 jobs. EPA said that the enhancements are expected to benefit 300,000 people by increasing the treatment capacity and allowing community growth without expanding the current wastewater treatment facility” (NSEnergyBusiness). 

A picture of the existing project (Image Credits: EPA)

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on US Infrastructure- Part 5

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on US Infrastructure- Part 5

It has been just over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic hit American shores in every way possible. Just like other industries, US infrastructure also has been damaged as covered by previous articles in this blog. It goes without saying that there would be deficits in revenue, major projects’ progress being halted or cancelled completely as well as struggles in approving budgets for new projects.

So what are some possible solutions for this? “DFIs can, for example, assist governments in diagnosing risks early to mitigate the virus’ impacts on project portfolios through expert support, training, and tools. Projects in pipeline should be re-reviewed often in this changing environment and projects under construction or in operation should be reexamined for any contractual remedies available to mitigate the effect of potential delay and funding needs. Where governments lack the expertise and resources to take this on, DFIs can step in to help” (Worldbank).

An infographic showing the impact of the virus on the construction and infrastructure markets (Image Credits: Businesswire)

Honolulu Rail Transit

Honolulu Rail Transit

Honolulu has been slowly growing as an important city which would need a rail transit system for its own. For a long time, there has been a debate on whether such a network is required and if so, would it be a light rail system or a heavy system. Anyways, a 20-mile system with 21 stations for $5.2 billion was announced in 2012. 

“But by this past fall Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell was projecting the rail line will not be done until 2033, and will cost an astonishing $11 billion...that marks the third time since 2012 the city has announced huge rail cost overruns, and this budget shortfall may be more difficult to resolve than the previous two. A key lawmaker says it will be “too difficult” for the state to step in for a third time with a financial bailout for the city rail project” (Civilbeat).

The project definitely has its share of benefits as it would be a big uplift for the economic development of the region? But at what cost? This blog would continue to cover this project in the upcoming months. 

A picture of the rail network (Image Credits: Civilbeat)

Essex Crossing

 Essex Crossing

Essex Crossing is expected to be one of the projects which is going to transform New York City forever. The entire reasoning behind the project is to create over a thousand residential units, out of which a good number would be kept affordable to a wide range of incomes. The complex would also host over 700,000 square feet of commercial space, 350,000 square feet of office space, 100,000 square feet of community space, and 100,000 square feet of greenery space including a new public park. 

“The project’s developers expect to rake in plenty of cash from all the market-rate condos, apartment rentals and commercial office and retail spaces. Rising real estate values on the Lower East Side have accelerated neighborhood gentrification but also helped subsidize the project’s abundance of affordable housing and community services” (NYTimes).

A picture of the planned development (Image Credits: NY.Curbed)