Con Dig (28-Oct-26) — Federal financing for power projects leads today’s US construction briefing, alongside a proposed $3.5 billion Georgia data center campus, a Maryland entertainment venue financing vote and fresh civil, housing and manufacturing developments.
Data Centers & Energy
DOE closes $5.1bn Alliant financing for Midwest power projects
The US Department of Energy has closed a $5.1 billion loan package for Alliant Energy generation and grid projects in Iowa and Wisconsin, according to Reuters reporting on October 28. The financing supports new gas-fired power plants, energy storage and existing-facility upgrades, representing more than 2.6 GW of new or improved capacity and hundreds of construction-related jobs.
Why it matters: The financing advances major power construction as utilities respond to growing electricity demand.
DOE offers up to $5bn for Constellation nuclear plant upgrades
The Department of Energy announced October 27 a conditional loan commitment of up to $5 billion for modernization and power uprates at Constellation nuclear plants in Illinois, Maryland and Pennsylvania. The proposed upgrades could add nearly 1.1 GW of generation and support more than 10,000 project-related jobs, but the commitment is not yet final financing.
Why it matters: Specialized industrial, electrical and engineering contractors could benefit from upgrades at existing nuclear facilities.
Georgia filing outlines proposed $3.5bn, 520MW data center campus
A Georgia regional impact filing outlines the proposed Eatonton 379 data center campus in Putnam County, with approximately 11 buildings totaling 3.5 million sq ft on 543 acres. A second filing estimates $3.5 billion in value at build-out and 520 MW of peak connected load, with completion targeted for 2031; the project still requires local land-use approvals.
Why it matters: The proposal signals a substantial future construction pipeline, although no construction start has been approved.
Commercial & Public Projects
Maryland council approves financing plan for proposed $1.4bn Sphere
Prince George’s County Council voted 8-0 on October 27 to advance a financing plan for the proposed 6,000-seat Sphere venue at National Harbor, FOX 5 DC reported. The plan authorizes up to $215 million in special-obligation bonds for the roughly $1.4 billion project, following county amendments concerning community benefits and labor arrangements; construction has not yet begun.
Why it matters: The vote advances a large specialist entertainment development but should not be mistaken for a construction start.
Monroe County breaks ground on $135m Seneca Park Zoo expansion
Monroe County said October 27 it had broken ground on the $135 million Tropics Exhibit and front-entry project at Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, New York. The development includes indoor and outdoor tropical habitats, aquatic exhibits, educational facilities and a new entrance, with completion expected in late 2029.
Why it matters: The multiyear scheme requires complex habitat, aquatic and visitor-facility construction.
Residential Development
Gilbane partners break ground on $58m Raleigh affordable housing
Gilbane announced in a release posted October 27 that it and partners Harmony Housing Affordable Development and F7 International Development had celebrated the groundbreaking of Chapanoke, a nearly $58 million project in Raleigh, North Carolina. The 200 apartments will serve households earning 30-70% of area median income, with completion targeted for early 2028.
Why it matters: The project adds a substantial income-restricted multifamily development to Raleigh’s construction pipeline.
Infrastructure & Public Works
Granite wins $16m Washington road widening and bridge contract
Granite announced October 27 a roughly $16 million Woodinville, Washington, contract for Phase B of the SR 202 widening and trestle replacement project. Work will widen a section of SR 202/131st Avenue NE from five to eight lanes and replace a railroad trestle with an arched pedestrian bridge; construction is due to begin in the fourth quarter and finish in late 2027.
Why it matters: The award creates a near-term package spanning bridge structures, utilities, earthworks and paving.
Watsonville prepares $11.7m school access and bridge works
The City of Watsonville, California, said October 27 that it will hold an October 29 groundbreaking for the $11.7 million Safer Access to Pajaro Valley High School & Beyond project. Granite Construction will lead work on the Harkins Slough Road overpass above Highway 1, separated bicycle lanes, ADA curb ramps and sewer relocation over roughly one year.
Why it matters: The contract combines bridge alterations, active transportation improvements and utility relocation.
Contractors & Materials
nVent leases 400,000-sq-ft Arizona site for prefabricated electrical units
nVent said October 27 it had leased a 400,000-sq-ft manufacturing site in Goodyear, Arizona, to expand output of engineered buildings and prefabricated electrical houses. Production is expected in mid-2027, with more than 200 employees once fully operational; the company cited demand from data centers, utilities and industry.
Why it matters: Factory-built electrical infrastructure is becoming increasingly important to accelerated project delivery.
SteelFab commits $30m to South Carolina structural steel operation
SteelFab plans to invest $30 million in a new Richland County, South Carolina, operation, according to the state Department of Commerce’s October 27 announcement. The Columbia facility will expand structural steel fabrication capacity and create 100 jobs, with operations expected by the end of 2026.
Why it matters: Additional fabrication capacity may support regional commercial and industrial construction supply chains.
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