Atlas Insider: Shaping Infrastructure’s Future with Federal Investments, Sustainability and Tech

This month, we explore a wave of innovation transforming infrastructure and urban development. Federal funding drives upgrades to airports and ferry systems, while high-speed rail projects are redefining connectivity.

We highlight adaptive reuse projects that give historic buildings new purpose and look at how expanding electronic vehicle (EV) infrastructure supports sustainable urban mobility. We also examine the growing importance of cybersecurity in protecting transportation networks and how environmental remediation turns contaminated sites into thriving community spaces.

These shifts across industries show how thoughtful planning and bold ideas shape a more connected and resilient future.

Oh — we have some Atlas news to share, too. Enjoy!

Federal Funding Fuels the Future of US Airport Modernization

As air travel soars and airports struggle to keep up, the U.S. government is stepping in with a $1.9 billion funding package through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP)?to modernize 519 airports nationwide. This investment goes beyond major hubs such as JFK and LAX, providing much-needed upgrades to smaller airports and bridging infrastructure gaps in underserved regions.

AIP will fund runway improvements, terminals and safety systems, enhancing passenger safety and the travel experience. From energy-efficient designs to eco-friendly materials, sustainability is central to these improvements. Modernized airports not only make travel smoother but also boost local economies by attracting tourism and business.

With these upgrades, passengers can look forward to smoother landings, quicker check-ins and less time waiting for their bags. That’s the dream, right?

Atlas Ranks No. 92 on ENR’s List of Top 150 Global Design Firms

Engineering News-Record (ENR) has ranked Atlas No. 92 on its annual Top 150 Global Design Firms list.

This recognition reflects the skill and dedication of our team members. We believe their expertise and commitment drive our success and demonstrate the strength and versatility of our capabilities.

Shannon Rowley Joins Atlas as New Chief Human Resources Officer

Atlas welcomes Shannon Rowley as our new Chief Human Resources Officer. With more than 25 years of human resources experience across technical, construction and environmental sectors, Shannon Rowley brings valuable insights into talent management and employee engagement. Her leadership will enhance our people-focused processes and strengthen our ability to attract and retain top talent.

“Shannon’s HR expertise and strategic vision make her a tremendous asset to our team,” says Atlas CEO Jacqueline (Jacque) Hinman. “Her experience in employee engagement, organizational development and managing transition align with our mission to support the growth and well-being of our people and the communities we serve.”

Charging Up: Expanding EV Infrastructure for Sustainable Cities

With cities pushing for cleaner transportation, expanding EV infrastructure is key to sustainable urban mobility. GM Energy and EVgo are leading the charge by developing new “flagship” charging stations designed to resemble gas stations, making EVs more accessible to urban commuters. With 1,000 fast charging stalls already in place and 2,850 expected by year-end, these stations are transforming the EV landscape.

Additionally, the Biden-Harris Administration is seeking input on medium- and heavy-duty EVs to support a robust nationwide charging network that accommodates everything from delivery trucks to public buses.

Expanding these networks will help cities reduce air pollution, decrease noise levels and alleviate range anxiety for EV drivers. Federal support and private sector innovation are setting the stage for a greener, more efficient future — one charging station at a time.

Smooth Sailing Ahead for Ferry Transit Upgrades

Ferries across the U.S. are getting a major upgrade, thanks to nearly $300 million in grants from the Biden-Harris Administration. These funds are helping to modernize ferry systems in 14 states, enhancing transit services, reducing emissions and boosting local economies.

In Jacksonville, Florida, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority has plans to add a hybrid ferry to its fleet, ensuring uninterrupted service and supporting environmental sustainability. This is a win for both passengers and the communities of Ft. George Island and Mayport.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation also is stepping up, christening two new ferries to replace aging vessels, enhancing capacity and reducing maintenance costs for its coastal routes.

Meanwhile, the Washington State Department of Transportation is retrofitting the Wenatchee ferry to hybrid power to cut diesel fuel use and emissions.

These investments are creating more efficient transit options that link communities and support economic growth.

Atlas-supported Underground Water Tank Development Recognized as ASCE Project of the Year

We’re thrilled to announce that the Atlas-supported Whistle Pig Tank project was honored as the ASCE - Southern Idaho Section Project of the Year in the less-than-$10M category!

“This recognition demonstrates the exceptional geotechnical capabilities of our Boise team,” said Atlas CEO Jacque Hinman. “We’re very proud of their contributions and look forward to their continued innovation and success in future projects.”

Addressing the critical issue of sufficient water supply, the project provides essential water storage and system resiliency for South Ada County residents and businesses.

Developed in collaboration with engineering firm Keller Associates, Inc. , the project faced unique design challenges, as the distinctive 2.65-million-gallon concrete tank was to be fully buried to harmonize with its surroundings.

Read more about this outstanding achievement in our press release: https://loom.ly/NO4iY_8

Redefining Regional Connectivity with High-speed Rail

Texas traffic can be brutal. High-speed rail offers a solution, and Amtrak’s recent $64 million in federal funding for the Dallas-Houston line promises to turn the 4-hour drive into a 90-minute ride.

Beyond cutting travel time, high-speed trains are more energy-efficient than cars or planes, helping reduce carbon emissions and advance decarbonization goals. Plus, this project is set to improve regional transit and boost economic ties between Texas’ largest cities.

Transforming Contaminated Sites into Thriving Spaces

Environmental remediation is key to transforming contaminated sites into valuable community assets. In Paterson, New Jersey, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tackling asbestos removal at the former Allied Textile Printing (ATP) site, an abandoned industrial area posing health risks to nearby residents. EPA is safeguarding public health by removing hazardous materials and setting the stage for sustainable redevelopment.

Cleaning up sites such as ATP opens doors for new housing, parks and commercial spaces, providing an economic boost and a safer environment for residents. EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia states, “EPA is committed to removing any asbestos contamination... to protect people who live near the site or will use the nearby recreational areas…. Our goal is to complete this work efficiently and put this property on the path to productive reuse for the City of Paterson.”

These efforts demonstrate the vital role environmental responsibility plays in infrastructure development, ensuring communities have safer, more productive futures.

Reviving Spaces: How Adaptive Reuse is Transforming Urban Landscapes

Adaptive reuse is turning underused properties into community assets while minimizing the environmental impact of new construction. Repurposing existing structures is like giving old buildings a second chance, preserving their historical charm and making them useful again.

The Biden administration’s initiative to convert high-vacancy commercial buildings into residential spaces supports this transformation with new financing options and technical assistance. It’s a smart move that addresses housing shortages without the mess of breaking ground on new builds.

Projects such as Stone Mill Lofts in Lawrence, Massachusetts, showcase the potential of this approach. The $39.2 million development transformed a 179-year-old mill into an all-electric, mixed-income apartment community, preserving history while promoting sustainable living.

Cities such as Fort Worth and New Orleans are following suit, where old banks now serve brunch, and former churches offer yoga instead of sermons. With adaptive reuse, cities can evolve and thrive while honoring their unique pasts. After all, who says you can’t teach an old building new tricks?

The Digital Guardrails Protecting America’s Roads

As transportation networks become more interdependent, the risk of cyber incidents grows. The Federal Highway Administration is strengthening its cybersecurity efforts by adopting a Cybersecurity Evaluation Tool to safeguard transportation infrastructure.

The tool provides a structured approach for transportation authorities to identify and address vulnerabilities in traffic systems, ensuring that our roads — and the systems supporting them — remain secure.

Cybersecurity may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about roads and bridges, but it’s quickly becoming the new guardrail for protecting modern infrastructure.

Methqal Abu-Najem P.E. Joins Atlas as VP of Northwest Business Development

We are thrilled to welcome METHQAL ABU-NAJEM as our new VP of Business Development in the Northwest! Methqal joins Atlas with 34 years of project management experience on design and construction projects. His impressive portfolio includes managing mega transportation projects throughout the United States and Middle East, including WSDOT and the $9.2 Billion design-build project for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia.

Now, as he shifts his focus to business development and driving sales in the Northwest, Methqal’s deep understanding of the local market, strong client relationship management, and business expansion skills will be invaluable to our continued growth.

Welcome aboard, Methqal! We’re excited to have you as part of the team as we push forward to new heights in the industry.