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Industry pioneer and Distribution Contractors Association Past President Thomas Michael (Tom) Allen, of Edwardsville, Ill., died Oct. 23, 2023, at the age of 83. Additionally, LAN, Woolpert, McElroy and more announced promotions in Underground Infrastructure's latest issue.
NV5 secures $13 million in contracts to support utility infrastructure across Western US
A West Coast utility selected NV5 for a $3.5 million contract to provide support on a gas transmission main. NV5 has also secured a $1.5 million project for utility initiatives that ensure regulatory compliance for transmission pipelines.
Former EPA water administrator Radhika Fox joins Xylem as Senior Advisor
Fox will provide strategic counsel to Xylem on evolving issues and opportunities in the water sector and provide advice on a range of matters to support the delivery of Xylem’s strategy.
Annual MVP awards luncheon to be held March 19 at UIC
Russ Ford, a senior associate at Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc., will be honored as the underground infrastructure industry’s Most Valuable Professional (MVP) at a special luncheon on March 19, 2024, at the Oklahoma City Convention Center.
HDD Reunion, Hall of Fame celebration to be held at UIC
The biannual Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Reunion and HDD Hall of Fame celebration will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Oklahoma City Convention Center in conjunction with the Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC).
PCCA takes workforce development, damage prevention efforts to the States
The PCCA has fought for increased funding for rural broadband and electric power, fewer regulatory roadblocks, faster permitting, damage prevention, workforce development, and more. But in 2023 and now into the new year, PCCA is taking a more active role in the states, especially when it comes to workforce development and damage prevention.
Editor’s Log: Industry honors and celebrations
It’s officially awards season for the underground infrastructure industry with some amazing people, projects and technology being cited for market contributions.
Natural gas transmission projects to drive Williams’ growth in 2024
CEO Alan Armstrong said, “Looking ahead, Williams is excited to provide additional natural gas solutions to support the reliability of the U.S. power sector as it faces growing regional demand."
Itron rebrands to focus on electricity, water, gas delivery offerings
Itron is providing more intelligence at the grid edge and driving a smoother transition to cleaner energy and water delivery while transforming the way grid operators address critical challenges.
Five Star Electric to replace 150,000 feet of fiber optic cable in $67 million contract from New York Transportation Authority
The project scope of work includes the replacement of approximately 150,000 feet of fiber optic cable; interconnecting and integrating more than 360 branch sites into MTA’s network; connecting, testing and integrating existing service delivery switches at more than 150 branch sites; and integrating existing closed circuit television cameras at 125 stations to existing video management and physical security information management systems.
NW Natural Water expands water utility presence in Oregon, Arizona
NW Natural Water Company LLC has expanded further in two states with the acquisitions of Hiland Water Corp.’s water utility business in Newberg, Oregon and Truxton Canyon Water Company and Cerbat Water Company near Kingman, Arizona.
Aries Industries strengthens underground infrastructure equipment offerings with new Arizona dealer
Located in the heart of the Valley of the Sun, Short Equipment Inc. offers a broad range of top-brand municipal service vehicles. Its lineup includes sewer cleaners, hydro excavators, truck jetters, street sweepers and refuse collection trucks.
Pipeline industry veteran Mark Roberts passes away at 75
Louisiana Pipeliners Association founder Mark Roberts was active in the pipeline industry for 25 years with near perfect attendance. Under his leadership, the Association raised and awarded over $2 million in scholarships to hundreds of students since its founding.
Vortex Companies redefines trenchless technology solutions with rebranded CIPP supplier launch
UNITED FELTS will embody the Applied Felts Inc. & FerraTex Solutions brands. These brands will be retired over the coming months. The MaxLiner brand will remain intact under the operation of United Felts.
Silver Hill Energy Partners acquires Bakken midstream infrastructure assets from Liberty Resources II
The acquisition includes an integrated midstream system with approximately 33 miles of gas gathering lines and 22 miles of water gathering lines.
PirTano Construction expands electrical offerings with Powerlink Electric acquisition
Mike Piraino, President of PirTano, said, "The acquisition of Powerlink will operate as a new electrical division, and brings additional service offerings and bench strength of employees as we look forward to continuing to support our customers while capitalizing on additional opportunities."
CorEnergy sells interstate natural gas pipeline system to Spire Midstream from $175 million
The MoGas System is an interstate natural gas transmission and distribution system provides service to markets in Missouri and Illinois.
Advanced Drainage Systems and RMS form strategic alliance for stormwater solutions
This collaboration will drive further advancement of sustainable stormwater solutions throughout the United States and Canada.
Vanair strengthens vehicle engine solutions with Grip Idle Management acquisition
Grip Idle Management's technology in idle management systems is designed to minimize fuel consumption, reduce engine hours, decrease emissions, and optimize overall fleet performance.
Matt Timberlake to lead Applied Felts as president after Vortex Companies acquisition
Matt Timberlake, a seasoned industry veteran, is set to assume the role of President at Applied Felts Inc. following its acquisition by Vortex Companies.
McElroy names Michael Grant as vice president of operations
McElroy, a prominent designer and manufacturer of thermoplastic fusion equipment, announces the appointment of Michael Grant as the new Vice President of Operations.
United Rentals outlines sustainable practices to reduce equipment emissions
United Rentals released a white paper, "Roadmap to Low-Emission and Zero-Emission Jobsites," which shares four practical steps to reduce emissions and the tools and equipment to make sustainability strategies a reality on the jobsite.
Outgoing DCA President Ray Swerdfeger stresses significance of local inclusion
Swerdfeger, the outgoing president of the Distribution Contractors Association (DCA), had the chance to grow up in the family business, working closely with his father. As a second-generation president following in his father's footsteps, Swerdfeger sat down with Underground Infrastructure for an exclusive interview. The discussion covered the accomplishments and directions of the DCA in 2023.
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Vortex Companies acquires Applied Felts for total trenchless rehabilitation solutions
Vortex Companies takes a significant step in revolutionizing trenchless rehabilitation with the landmark acquisition of Applied Felts Inc., including MaxLiner and FerraTex Solutions.
EPA water infrastructure administrator to step down in February 2024
Under Fox’s leadership, EPA has provided over $13 billion to states, territories, Tribes, and local communities, supporting over 2,600 water infrastructure projects.
Frank Canon, renowned figure in HDD industry, dies at 77
Frank Lynn Canon, 77, a pioneer in the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) industry, died on Jan. 5 in Magnolia, Texas. Born in Alpena, Mich., Canon’s journey from a lime-green polyester suit on his first day as an oilfield mud engineer to becoming a legendary educator in drilling fluids has left an indelible mark on the HDD community.
Glo Fiber launches lightning-fast fiber optic internet in Spring Garden, Penn.
(UI) — Construction began earlier this year and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, providing over 4,500 homes and businesses with a reliable option for high-speed internet service.
Voyager acquires pipeline coating service provider Aegion Coating Services
ACS is the global leader in field joint coating services using proprietary robotic tools that apply protective coatings to internal and external segments of natural gas, crude oil, potable water and saltwater pipelines.

- 290-mile gas pipeline expansion proposed across Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina
- City of Albuquerque halts fiber optic construction in response to damage, complaints
- Body retrieved day after fatal trench collapse at Bakersfield, Calif., job site
- $227 million Garnet Valley water project advances, set to create 73,000 jobs in Nevada
- Pasadena, Calif., undergrounding project could take 500 years to finish
- Gehl and Mustang offer world’s largest skid loader
- Growing Pains and Gains
- Authorities investigating trench collapse that killed worker in Ashburn, Va.
- City of Albuquerque halts fiber optic construction in response to damage, complaints
- Pasadena, Calif., undergrounding project could take 500 years to finish