Infinity Power Partners’ Post

Fascinating article about the challenges facing the nation's dams. #dams #damsafety #civilworks #usace #infrastructurefinance #illuminatinfrastructure #p3 #buildbacksmarter #projectfinance #CWIFP

Interesting article by Bloomberg News about some of the challenges facing the nation's aging dam infrastructure. The majority of dams have outlived their original life-cycle and are in urgent need of repair, upgrades and/or decommissioning. That said, the vast majority of dams are under private ownership, so this is not technically a "government problem". In broad strokes, it is estimated that $75.7 billion is needed to rehabilitate non-federal dams (of which the vast majority are privately owned). The Inflation Reduction Act earmarked $2 billion for dam decommissioning and upgrades. An important consideration is that, even with some federal subsidies, many private dam owners lack the money to make upgrades and improvements. The US Army Corps of Engineers just launched the CWIFP program, modelled after WIFIA and TIFIA, that will provide federally subsidized loans to creditworthy dam owners, but what about those dam owners who lack the cash flows to finance a dam improvement program? It's an interesting conundrum, as the government may eventually be forced to bail out a significant number of projects in order to ensure public safety. The nation needs a more comprehensive and strategic funding plan for non-federal dam improvements (and decommissioning). Kicking the can further down the road is not going to help, but will simply exacerbate the challenge. Focus also needs to be placed on upgrades using smarter infrastructure (i.e., with sensors that can detect structural issues) instead of just the lowest first costs. #dams #dam #civilworks #waterresources #CWIFP #USACE #infrastructure #infrastructurefinance #projectfinance #infrastructurefunding #waterinfrastructure #water #bloomberg #floodriskmanagement #buildbackbetter #iija #federalfunding #flooding #p3 #climatechange

🌀🔋 🔌 🚘 Can we evacuate from hurricanes in electric vehicles? Yes, we can but recommend taking appropriate preparedness actions! Thanks, Sarah Raza, for the discussion and the quotes in your Washington Post article! https://lnkd.in/gS--vS_Y 👉 Our research suggests to evacuation coordinators to design routes that minimize the system’s evacuation time, are seamless in that they eliminate forking and confusion, apply traffic contraflow principles so that each road in the network can be used at maximum capacity, and provide reliable access to charging and refueling infrastructure (TR-C paper: https://lnkd.in/gwhqmpcq) 👉 We also provide location models to our regional planners for enhancing the existing refueling and charging infrastructure network accounting for evacuation demand (TRR paper: https://lnkd.in/gHhmcU-6). #ElectricVehicles #ChargingStations #ClimateChange #hurricanes

Facing flood damage can be overwhelming, but you're never alone. At Southeast Restoration, we're dedicated to guiding you through every stage until you're back home. Your trust means everything to us. #SRG #watermitigation #flooding #flooddamage #restoration #SoutheastRestoration

The aftermath of the devastating floods in Eastern Kentucky two years ago has had a profound impact, necessitating the reconstruction of numerous homes. Fahe, in partnership with Team Kentucky and organizations like H.O.M.E.S., is leading the charge in rebuilding efforts, aiming to secure over $200 million for the community. A key focus during the reconstruction is on energy efficiency, crucial for ensuring residents can afford their utilities. Data indicates that post-flooding, around 8,000 homes were lost or damaged, and 40% of individuals in Letcher County and surrounding areas spend over 30% of their income on utility expenses. Ensuring the financial sustainability of the reconstructed homes is vital. Seth Long, the Executive Director of H.O.M.E.S., Inc., envisions that energy-efficient houses at Thomson Branch will only cost residents around $20 per month in utility expenses. Additionally, through the integration of solar technology by H.O.M.E.S., Inc., the upcoming residences will transition into zero-energy homes, alleviating residents from energy bills.

Sorry, but Stormwater management systems are not highly regulated or “sexy” as other infrastructure needs. Until regulation occurs or costs through insurance companies escalate municipalities will continue to find other needs for the precious taxpayer dollars. Need to find a new way to fund these projects and increase their priorities. Need to better communicate the importance. #assetmanagement #leadership #stormwatermanagement

💧Affected by #flooding during #StormBert? Our resource guides you through the recovery process, from clean-up to repairs, with a timeline of what to expect in the weeks, months, or even years ahead. It also highlights the roles organisations may play in supporting your recovery. 🏡 Find practical advice and support in the #recovery section on The Flood Hub ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eYhtZVWi

The destruction left in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role utility teams play in helping communities recover and rebuild their lives across the country. In times of crisis, these dedicated professionals work tirelessly to restore power, water, and gas services – often in the toughest conditions – helping life return to normal for millions.   What’s truly inspiring is seeing the unity within the utility industry. Even those utilities not directly impacted have stepped up, sending crews, equipment, and resources to support their fellow utilities. This collective effort demonstrates the spirit of cooperation and solidarity that defines this critical industry.    We send our deepest appreciation to all utility teams on the frontlines and to those lending a helping hand. Your hard work is nothing short of heroic. Together, we continue to strengthen our communities, one restoration at a time.   Read more about the rebuilding efforts: https://bit.ly/3NkM7dQ #Survalent #StormRecovery #CommunitySupport #HurricaneHelene #HurricaneMilton

Update as of 10/10/24 4:00 pm edt: More than 50,000 workers from at least 43 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada already are dedicated to the Milton response and restoration effort and are strategically prepositioned in and near Florida ahead of #HurricaneMilton making landfall. This pre-landfall planning, preparation, and staging ensures that impacted entities will have the initial wave of resources they need to assess damage and begin the work of restoring power once it is safe to do so after #Milton passes. Learn more about the restoration efforts underway at: https://bit.ly/47Myc9Y

Investment in High-Quality Infrastructure - Roads, Dams, Bridges, Schools (!!!), Flood Protection, even Regulations is extremely UNDERRATED - Good Article. The average US dam is 60 years old, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers, even though dams typically “are designed and built for a 50-year period,” Kiernan said. There are more than 92,000 dams nationwide, according to a US Army Corps of Engineers inventory. Of those, some 16,000, or close to 20%, are classified as having “high hazard potential.” That doesn’t mean they are at increased risk of failure, but that their failure would entail a significant loss of life or property. This group includes the 98-year-old Lake Lure hydroelectric dam. The number of high-hazard-potential dams in the US has risen as development encroaches on once-rural areas.