What civil engineers are reading this week

• USDOT issues 180-day ‘Buy America’ waiver

  The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a 180-day temporary waiver for “Buy America” rules as they relate to a new category of construction materials.

• Ancient forest found at bottom of huge sinkhole in China

  An ancient forest has been found at the bottom of a giant sinkhole in China, with trees up to 130 feet tall. Scientists believe it could contain undiscovered plant and animal species.

• EPA to award $21.7M in grants to support clean, safe water for rural communities

  Technical assistance providers will receive the Environmental Protection Agency grant funding to support drinking water and wastewater systems that serve small and rural communities.

• Newly released report indicated decay, corrosion on bridge before collapse

  Pennsylvania's Fern Hollow Bridge was showing significant rust corrosion in early October 2021, mere months before the bridge collapsed on Jan. 28.

• Missouri water utility highlights $400M of planned infrastructure upgrades

  Missouri American Water is planning to replace approximately 100 miles of aging water main this year.

• Washington state officials give updates on $16.9B transportation package

  The final version of the the 16-year “Move Ahead Washington” transportation package calls for the transfer of $100 million from the Public Works Assistance Account per year for the life of package.